Spring 2025
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©House of Commons

*Fighting in Parliament to find out the impact of the Government's decision to cut the Winter Fuel Allowance for pensioners this winter.*

*Click*[*here*]([link removed])*to see more*


The sunny spring days have been joyful in the countryside; I wish I could say the same for the mood in Parliament at the Chancellors Spring Statement. Or more accurately, Emergency Budget. 

 

The Chancellor had to do an emergency budget because she lost control of the public finances and breached the Government’s fiscal rules.

 

Sitting opposite her on Wednesday in the House of Commons, I listened to her announcing a string of bad economic news. The forecast for growth for this year has halved, borrowing costs are up, unemployment is up, and rather than the 2% rate of inflation the Government inherited at the election, that’s currently closer to 3%. 

 

No surprise that the Chancellor pointed to the global situation as the cause of all this, and I don’t deny we’re going through some uncertain and difficult times. But she needs to take responsibility for the impact of her decisions at the last budget.

 

She increased public spending by £70 billion back in the autumn, through a combination of extra borrowing and tax rises. That has consequences.

For instance, the National Insurance Rise (or ‘jobs tax’) is forcing businesses (and charities) to make people redundant, pushing down growth and pushing up unemployment. 

 

I’ve heard from many local businesses and charities affected by this over the last few months. And last week in Parliament we tried to get the Government to at least exempt care homes, charities and hospices – but Labour’s big majority carried the day and we lost the vote.

 

As Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions I’ve been working hard holding the Government to account on their decisions on welfare, and it’s been a busy few weeks for that. I led a debate on the impact of the Winter Fuel Payment cut, trying to get the Government to release data on this, but to no avail. And last week they announced £5 billion worth of savings on the benefit bill – only to revise that down to £3.4 billion this week because their figures didn’t add up. 

 

The sickness benefits bill is forecast to rise to £100 billion by the end of the decade – more than double what we spend on defence. There are also 2.8 million people claiming incapacity benefit, with 2,000 more people signing on every day. So something has to be done. But what’s needed is proper reform to the welfare system, so those who can work, do work – and those who are disabled get the help they need. Instead what we saw from the Government this week was rushed cuts made in a panic to balance the books. 

 

It is clear that the Government did not think any of this through while they were in Opposition. We are not going to make that mistake. That's why Kemi Badenoch recently launched a new policy review inviting people across the country to contribute ideas on how we best tackle our country’s challenges.

 

Talking about people from across the country who find solutions to challenges… the **deadline for my 'Unsung Heroes' awards is on Monday 31st March **at midnight**.**   I’ve had lots of fabulous nominations but please don’t miss the chance to nominate someone or an organisation you know. **You still have time to nominate someone by clicking **[**here**]([link removed])**. **


I enjoyed visiting the Signal Box at Hollingbourne Station. 

Click [here]([link removed]) to hear more about it.


**'Meet & Greets' go from strength to strength**


I am continuing to host my 'Meet and Greets' across my constituency in pubs, cafes and village halls. Please contact me if you want me to visit your area soon. 

 

Click [here]([link removed]) for more details.


**We must urgently crack down on catapults **


If you've been affected by catapult attacks please let me know your stories as I am gathering evidence.

 

Click here for [more]([link removed]) details.


**Highsted Park inquiry has begun**


The Highsted Park Public Inquiry has begun. This is how Angela Rayner, rather than Swale Borough Council, will decide to approve the development or not.

 

There are more details[ here]([link removed]).


Fighting for jobs


The Government’s new Employment Rights Bill, National Insurance rise and lowering of the threshold for pension contributions are going to mean fewer jobs for people. That's why I am fighting these measures hard in Parliament 

 

Read more [here]([link removed])


**Stopping management companies from ripping people off**


I am pressing the Government to get on with putting the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act which was passed before the General Election into practice. I will keep up the pressure and keep you up-to-date with what I am doing.

 

Read more [here]([link removed])

 

 


*Nominations for my 'Unsung Hero' awards are open until Monday 31 March - so you still have time to nominate someone - and it only takes a minute*[*here!*]([link removed])


####This year's Apprenticeship Fair: opening up different opportunities


It was great talking to employers and young people about the opportunity to 'earn as they learn' as an alternative to university or work. Read more [here]([link removed])


**Standing up for our nurseries, care homes and hospices for adults and children**


Last week we forced a vote in Parliament to protect hospices, charities, care providers and small businesses from the Government's job tax. Read more [here]([link removed]). 


####Pressing the Government for bolder welfare reform


Labour's welfare reforms are just tinkering around the edges while we need bold reform. Hear me argue the case on BBC Question Time [here]([link removed]). 

 

 

#### 


 

**Southern Water admit Teynham's sewer network is in poor condition**


People in Frognal Lane and Gdns have been experiencing sewage leaks which Southern Water blamed on the rain. After pressure from Cllr Speed and me they are planning works to sort it out. Read more [here]([link removed]). 


If there's anything else I can help you with please email me at [email protected]

Please pass this email onto anyone you think might be interested and encourage them to sign up to these newsletters on my website, [here]([link removed]).


*Copyright © 2025 Member of Parliament for Faversham and Mid-Kent, All rights reserved.*
 

House of Commons, SW1A 0AA, London

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