GOOD AFTERNOON & welcome to my weekly update no.314

The world feels very dangerous at the moment with 270 people dead in an air crash and bombing in Israel, Iran, Ukraine and Russia. At Westminster we have been focusing on the international situation and locally on the outrageous CIL surcharge Waverley has been levying on people who do house extensions.
 

WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER 

ANOTHER WEEK ANOTHER U TURN The Prime Minister has changed his mind and announced a full national inquiry into grooming gangs. This was in response to Baroness Casey’s report, which was published today. It is very frustrating that it took so long to get to this point. Read this interesting article in the times by veteran journalist Trevor Philipps about why this succession of u-turns is becoming dangerous for the PM.

SPENDING REVIEW Last week’s spending review was as expected: a boost to the NHS and defence but tough settlements all round. The numbers are actually lower than the last parliament - 2.3% annual increase in government spending compared to 3.1% last time. Anyone remember Labour saying they were going to end austerity? As I said on Times Radio last week, the real test will be whether Rachel Reeves will have to put up taxes again in the Autumn. The only way to avoid it is bold welfare reform - not easy, but vital for the economy as well as public finances. I explain how we should do this in an article in this week’s Economist.

IT’S A DANGEROUS WORLD Over the past few days, Israel has been striking targets in Iran. This was in response to the IAEA declaring Iran in breach of non-proliferation obligations. Having criticised Israel’s approach to Gaza, I find myself agreeing with their actions this time: Iran cannot be allowed to get a nuclear bomb. My book talks about how Britain should use its influence to be a force for good but this is one of the rare occasions where I really struggle to see what influence we have: Netanyahu barely cares about what the American President thinks let alone any European leader. 

SUMMIT SHENANIGANS This week world leaders are currently meeting in Canada for the G7 summit. Since last year’s summit, the leaders of five G7 countries have changed including our PM. But the main difference is that the Donald is back: that means unpredictability and (as he loves) great TV. Does anyone remember this famous photo of Angela Merkel trying to get him to change his mind the last time there was a summit in Canada? My backseat driver advice is simple and boring: we will always need America, like it or not, so try to avoid flare ups. On this at least I suspect Keir Starmer agrees with me. But if he doesn’t he should read my book 🙂

WHAT’S GOING ON LOCALLY

WRONG WAVERLEY Finally the  review papers are out and Waverley's CIL victims are fuming. I can’t blame them - listen to Wonersh resident Rupert Wingfield below about the sordid business of slapping huge charges on people who do home extensions in a way virtually no other councils do. Back in January Waverley councillors voted for a discretionary review of cases where homeowners have been charged huge fines caused by paperwork errors (householders should not be liable for CIL anyway). The Council is now saying it can only refund if they made an error. This means most will not qualify to apply for the scheme, never mind stand a chance of a refund. Council Leader Paul Follows appeared to be struggling to justify it all on BBC Surrey this morning, including incorrectly again stating that those with big extensions should pay. Surely everyone deserves justice and fair treatment by the Council - whatever the size of their home extension? I’ve got a meeting with Ministers to try and get this stopped nationally but in the meantime Cllr Jane Austin is leading a huge battle locally. 

ASH CRIME Thanks to Councillor John Tonks and Ash locals for updating me on concerns about crime in the area.  Residents have been subjected to anti-social behaviour, totally unacceptable catapult attacks on local wildlife around the Basingstoke Canal and thefts… but for many graffiti on the brand new Chester Bridge has been the last straw. Guildford Borough Commander Blaine Rafferty and PCC Lisa Townsend are both already on the case - including increased patrols in the area. I am meeting them soon for an update, so more to follow. 
 

BLAST THE SIGNAL! Last week I met Simon Miller from O2 to discuss the lousy coverage in Cranleigh and Godalming high streets. He said there have been some delays caused by the Voda/3 merger (O2 uses the Vodafone masts in our area) but they are planning to improve coverage in a number of areas and he will get me the list along with maps in the next 10 days. He said the 3G coverage will not be switched off until next year when it will have been replaced with good 4G/5G coverage.

SURGERY CALLS My first call today was to Godalming resident Steve Dally who has been stung by Waverley’s totally unfair CIL tax charge for his home extension (which we now discover is the only way the LibDem council is staying afloat). I have agreed to join an all-party parliamentary group to see if we can get the law changed to stop councils behaving like this. I then spoke to Hannah Large from Cranleigh about support I can give to her for her brilliant forthcoming production of Alice in Wonderland in Knowle Park (tickets here). 
 

MILFORD HOSPITAL BUS PLEASE Last week I launched my campaign to improve public bus services to the hospital now the new CDC is up and running and demand is increasing. I wrote to Leader of Surrey County Council Tim Oliver to ask how this could happen - this may mean reinstating the 523 - or maybe a shuttle bus to Godalming could be an option? Help me by signing my petition here.
 

OUTSTANDING ROYAL SURREY We only started rating hospitals for quality of care when I introduced it post Mid Staffs. So I am delighted that the Royal Surrey has finally got ‘Outstanding’. Huge well done to amazing Royal Surrey staff who are BRILLIANT!

SHALFORD A281 another week rolls by and the date to reopen is now the 20th June. It has been a major inconvenience to everyone but well done to Cllr Matt Furniss for managing to shoehorn some other SGN, SCC and Thames Water works in while the road remains closed. Just a few more days to go…
 

ELSTEAD CLOSED Confusion reigned over the weekend with some misleading signage and a road closure leaving a few locals completely unable to reach their own homes for hours over Saturday. Fortunately the work is now completed - just a further 4 hour road closure planned for tomorrow 10am-2pm. I’ve fed back concerns about the confusing signage to SCC … but also how friendly and polite the workmen were!
 

BUSINESS BREAKFAST CLUB did you know I operate a breakfast club? We meet every couple of months to discuss the issues of the day and we have some great guest speakers and of course a fantastic cooked brekkie too. If you would like further information my constituency association organise this one - so do drop them an email on [email protected]
 

AND FINALLY .. Piccie below of me at Borders Book festival over the weekend, and today I am in The Times with a slightly different interview! Hope you enjoy….

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