|
NO MORE DOOM AND GLOOM I also recently spoke with the Financial Times about the state of the UK’s economy. I argued that instead of fuelling a mood of “declinism” Labour should be more confident in our strengths – and we have plenty of them including services, tech, and life sciences. Labour’s strategy to talk down the UK’s economic situation is a political ploy to blame their predecessors for difficult decisions - but is doing more harm than good as today’s figures from the British Chamber of Commerce show.
PATIENT SAFETY Today we had a big announcement on government plans to reduce waiting lists - but how do we make sure more targets don’t lead to another Mid Staffs scandal? As some of you may know, my return to the backbenches has meant that I have been able to return to my campaign to reduce avoidable death in the NHS by improving what is called patient safety. This includes occasionally guest writing a fortnightly newsletter for Patient Safety Watch - a charity of which I am the current chair. In the most recent edition, I covered topics such as how UK patient safety compares with other countries, safety vs targets in A&E, young people’s wellbeing, how staff shortages and ‘toxic’ culture has led to mothers and babies being harmed, and the compounded harm experienced by patients following safety incidents. I suggest anyone interested in these issues having a read.
CARE REFORMS Last week the government announced plans for a review into social care. Like Paul Johnson in today’s Times, this felt like kicking the can down the road. The issue is not agreeing to a plan (there was cross-party support for the Dilnot reforms and the care fees cap which I put into law) but getting the Treasury to fund them. The previous Conservative government delayed implementation by 2 years because of the energy shock but Rachel Reeves cancelled them altogether. Louise Casey will report in 2028 so nothing will now happen this parliament - something bitterly disappointing for the sector.
WHAT’S GOING ON LOCALLY
FLOODING AND FREEZING Following the sleet and rain over the weekend Flood alerts are in place on the River Wey especially around Elstead and flood warnings remain in place forUpper River Wey, Tillingbourne, Cranleigh Waters, River Blackwater and Cove Brook. There are numerous flooded roads and sadly Wey Court car park in Godalming is flooded once again. Please do take care given the freezing temperatures forecast overnight and there is more snow/rain/ice forecast later this week.
SURREY ELECTIONS POSTPONED? Labour’s plans to replace Surrey’s two tier council system with a single tier of unitary authorities are moving forward and Surrey wants to be in the first wave. I agree with Surrey leader Tim Oliver who says we would benefit massively from a unitary authority and elected mayor. But I also want to make sure we don’t end up carrying the can for Woking’s £2 bn debt so will be watching this one like a hawk. This week Tim will respond to the government requesting postponement of Surrey’s May 25 local elections to 2026, with Mayoral elections for the new authority in 2027. Postponing any election is never ideal but it would avoid the scenario of three sets of elections in as many years (and avoid the huge resulting costs). Over to Angela now…
ALFOLD SEWAGE Unbelievably residents of Alfold have been hit once again with sewage overflowing in gardens especially in the Clappers Meadow area - thanks to Cllr Kevin Deanus and Alfold Clerk Julie Flenley for keeping me updated. This is completely unacceptable and keeps on happening - my most recent exchange with Thames Water on this issue was only back in December - with Thames Water CEO Chris Weston. We have a meeting lined up to discuss this and Thames Water's wider programme to address sewage issues, but in the meantime I have asked for solutions for Alfold residents again today. We need action - not sticking plasters. On a different note we were all incredibly sad to learn of the untimely death of Ed Mcudden, Chair of Alfold PC, on Christmas morning. Ed was a lynchpin of his community and will be sorely missed.
CHRISTMAS IN CRANLEIGH I spent Christmas lunch with the Hunt kids in Cranleigh Village Hall at a charity lunch organised for people who would have been on their own. What a lovely occasion - thanks so much to Marc and Fiona Scully and Natasha Victor for organising it.
|
