Because we have stuck to the plan, new figures this week show inflation has fallen to 3.4 per cent - its lowest level in two and a half years, down from 11.1 per cent since 2022 - putting more money in your pocket. More on this, and how we are bringing down National Insurance, below.
To mark National Apprenticeship Week earlier this year, I launched Esher and Walton's Apprentice of the Year for the third year running. This week, I visited the winner to see the fantastic work they are getting up to in their apprenticeship. You can find out who the winner is below!
In Westminster, I met with Andy and George from Elmbridge Rentstart to talk about the great work they are doing to tackle homelessness and I spoke during the debate on legislation to enable the UK to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. You can watch my contribution below.
As ever, if you are a constituent in need of my assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Best wishes,
Dominic
The Plan is Working: Inflation has Fallen to 3.4%
Because we have stuck to the plan, new figures this week show inflation has fallen to 3.4 per cent - its lowest level in two and a half years, down from 11.1 per cent since 2022 – putting more money in people’s pockets.
Global factors including COVID and the war in Ukraine hiked up inflation, putting huge pressure on household finances. That is why we made it our priority to halve inflation. Because we stuck to our plan, inflation is now at its lowest rate in two and a half years at 3.4 per cent – a decisive fall down from 4.0 per cent last month and from its peak of 11.1 per cent. It is forecast to hit the 2 per cent target within months.
Our plan is working and this sets the scene for better economic conditions which could allow further progress to boost growth and bring down National Insurance as we work towards abolishing the double tax on work – putting more money in people’s pockets and building a brighter future.
Esher and Walton's Apprentice of the Year 2024!
To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2024, I wanted to celebrate all the brilliant apprentices in Esher and Walton constituency who are rising stars in their businesses and sectors. As part of Esher and Walton’s Apprentice of the Year 2024, it has been fantastic to hear about the great work apprentices across Esher and Walton are getting up to.
After a tightly fought contest, I am delighted to announce that Hatty St John from Omni Academy of Beauty in Walton is this year’s Esher and Walton Apprentice of the Year!
Hatty is currently completing her Level 3 Beauty Therapy Apprenticeship and shows a strong commitment to learning and mastering the craft, often going above and beyond the basic requirements of the apprenticeship. She maintains a positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and willingness to take on challenges.
Congratulations Hatty and the fantastic team at Omni Academy!
Tackling Illegal Moorings Update
Illegal mooring in Hurst Park, West Molesey
We have recently had success with Elmbridge Borough Council belatedly voting to implement a PSPO. This is a good step forward to help tackle illegal moorings on Council owned land.
As the Environment Agency also owns a considerable stretch of the riverbank in Elmbridge, we have been pushing for them to take appropriate action to enforce against illegal moorings on their land.
So, it is good news that the Environment Agency have won their case against ten defendants – the owners of unauthorised moorings adjacent to Cherry Orchard Gardens in West Molesey. Whilst there is a period pending for a further hearing by the end of July at which the defendants may apply to appeal, this is a good step forward in tackling illegal moorings on Environment Agency owned land. I will remain in close contact with the Environment Agency to ensure this approach to enforcement is seen across their land in Elmbridge.
I will continue to work with Elmbridge Borough Council and the Environment Agency to ensure both organisations take a joined-up approach to enforcement.
Celebrating £5,400 Government Funding for New Goalposts at Molesey Juniors FC
Visiting Molesey Juniors at their site at The Wilderness, East Molesey
It was great to drop by Molesey Juniors to celebrate £5,400 in Government funding for new goalposts at the club. These new goals will make a big difference to match days, enabling the club to set up pitches more quickly and provide players with a better standard of equipment.
This funding is part of the Government’s Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme – a share of £93 million for over 1,100 projects across the country to deliver vital improvements to grassroot facilities. In Esher and Walton constituency, Molesey Juniors, as well as Claygate Royals and Esher FC have received funding totalling £7,731 across the three clubs.
Thank you to the team at Molesey Juniors for taking the time to show me around.
Speaking with Local Businesses in Thames Ditton
It was good to be back down on Thames Ditton High Street to catch up with local business owners and hear what I can do to further support independent retailers across the constituency.
It was interesting to hear how small businesses are adapting to a changing customer base by moving to online shopping, as well as keeping their high street base. It was also great to see local retailers supporting community projects, like Thames Ditton Boomerang Bags, by providing their reusable bags in high street shops to help eliminate single use plastic bags.
Thank you to the retailers for taking the time to chat with me.
Thames Ditton Boomerang Bag in Leveson's Dry Cleaners
Thames Ditton Boomerang Bags sew the reusable bags at Thames Ditton Centre for the Community which is currently under threat as Elmbridge Borough Council voted to hand management of the centre over to a third party.
A good meeting with Andy and George from Elmbridge Rentstart in Parliament to talk about the great work they are doing to tackle homelessness in Elmbridge.
It was interesting to discuss the unique set of challenges Rentstart face because homelessness is not always assumed to be an issue in a place like Elmbridge. However, it was great to hear that support for Rentstart is growing in our community.
There are a number of things we can do to help end homelessness in our area, including increasing the supply of affordable homes. This is why it is so important the Lib Dem administration at Elmbridge Borough Council stop delaying the vital Local Plan, which stipulates sites for development across the borough. This will help us start to build the quality homes we need without concreting over the greenbelt.
Boosting the UK's Trade Through Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
Speaking during CPTPP Debate in House of Commons
This week in the House of Commons, MPs debated the legislation to enable the UK to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) – an Asia-Pacific trade bloc of 11 other countries. Joining CPTPP will boost trade by lowering trade barriers with a dynamic region set to become increasingly important for the world economy.
During the debate, on investor-state dispute resolution, I made the point that it will be overwhelmingly in the UK’s interest, given the protections for UK businesses and exporters and the certainty it will provide in the massive growth region of the Indo-Pacific.
