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I don't know about you, but I cannot believe that summer is firmly here and another month of 2020 has passed. The lockdown of the country over the past few months has certainly been a busy time for me and my office team, this year seems to be flying by.
We have seen further changes to our restrictions this June as the coronavirus reproductive rate (R) and rate of transmission continues to fall. Everyone now has to wear a face covering on public transport ([link removed]) , can form a 'support bubble' ([link removed]) if you are a single adult household and meet in groups of 6 outside. Those shielding have been able to spend time outdoors with members of their household or with one person from another household if they are also a single adult household. Our High Street have also welcomed back customers ([link removed]) as non-essential retail reopened earlier this month.
From July 4th, since our 'Stay Alert' level ([link removed]) has downgraded from Level 4 to Level 3, meeting all of the governments 5 tests, significant changes will be made to our current guidelines.

Many businesses will be able to open their doors if they are COVID-19 Secure, from hairdressers to hotels, playgrounds to libraries.
What Businesses & Venues Can Reopen? ([link removed])
Guidance For Businesses & Venues Reopening ([link removed])

Further changes will also take place from July 4th:
* in certain commercial organisations where it is not possible to stay 2 metres apart, social distancing measures may be lowered to 1 metre plus as long as the proper safeguards are in place
* meetings in groups of up to two households can take place in any location while following social distancing
* you can stay overnight away from your home with your own household or support bubble, or with members of one other household
* weddings can take place with up to 30 people

FAQs: What You Can & Can't Do From July 4th ([link removed])
From July 6th, the advice for those shielding will also change, allowing you to meet up in groups of 6 outdoors, you will no longer need to social distance with your household and can form a 'support bubble' in line with wider guidance for single adult households.

From August 1st, the advice is that shielding is paused and that you follow strict social distancing, rather than full shielding measures.

This is of course advisory, and if you do not feel safe following these changes, support is still available through supermarket priority delivery slots, the Council and NHS Volunteers.
Changing Guidelines For the Shielding From July 6th ([link removed])
Beyond the Covid-19 headlines, a lot of other things have been happening this month. We marked Loneliness Week - the last few months have been incredibly challenging for those who are socially isolated or separated from loved ones. It is really important to remember that you are not alone and support is available. From local help through Gosport Voluntary Action Group ([link removed]) , to chats with NHS Volunteers ([link removed]) and national support through the Every Mind Matters ([link removed]) and Let's Talk About Loneliness ([link removed]) campaign.

Many of those who have been the backbone of our local community, especially in recent months, are the wonderful volunteers who we celebrated this month during Volunteers Week! I have had the privilege to catch up with many of our local heroes - from the seamstresses at Team Scrubbers ([link removed]) making garments for local healthcare professionals, to those volunteering to support foodbanks, the befriending services and prescription collections with Acts Of Kindness ([link removed]) and the Gosport Voluntary Action Group ([link removed]) - al selflessly giving up their time for our communities.
We paid tribute to our other unsung heroes - unpaid carers - who all too often do not get the recognition or support that they deserve as they look after their loved ones. I added my name and pledged support to the Carers UK #MakeCaringVisible ([link removed]) campaign this year.

I joined our fabulous regional services Naomi House and Jacksplace ([link removed]) as well as national charity Together For Short Lives ([link removed]) , in a social media campaign to raise awareness about Children's Hospice Week ([link removed]) and the invaluable work that hospices and outreach care services provide for very poorly children and their families. My mum was on the original committee that helped raise the money to build Naomi House in the 1990's and roped our whole family into her fundraising activities, so it has a very special place in my heart. It was a great honour to go back and visit again in 2018 (pictured).
We celebrated Armed Forces Week ([link removed]) , where I joined others to #SaluteOurForces and pay tribute to our incredible service men and women - from cadets to reservists and veterans - for their dedication and service to our country.

We
also helped celebrate a very special local veteran's 100th birthday! Ron Cross, WWII decorated hero and Gosport Cricket Club's longest serving fan, reachedthis impressive milestone this month ([link removed]) . His family contacted my office worried that lockdown might dampen the celebrations, so we helped them put out a plea on social media. We were overwhelmed with the response - dozens of cards from local residents were sent to my office, it was a pleasure to help pass on well-wishers messages to Ron for his special day. A big thank you to everyone who got involved!
On a more sombre note, I expressed my serious concerns and opposition to Fareham Land LP's plans for up to 75 houses and Bargate Homes' plans for up to 115 houses to be developed on the green fields beside Newgate Lane. I have written to the Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick MP, to request the appeals be recovered and that he make the decision on this himself, given the devastating impact that more development could have on our local area.
Read My Letter To The Housing Secretary ([link removed])
I know like me, many of you will have been incredibly distressed having seen footage of the tragic death of George Floyd in the US. His death has raised awareness and highlighted the inequality that the BAME community face across the globe.

There is much more to do to eradicate prejudice and to create more equal opportunities. It is important that we use this moment to look with renewed vigour at how people from BAME backgrounds are treated here in the UK. I welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that he is setting up a cross-government commission on racial inequality which will examine all aspects of inequality for people from BAME backgrounds, including health, employment, and education. There is also urgent work underway across Government in response to Public Health England’s review into disparities among those worse affected by Covid-19.

You can read my full statement below.
My Statement On Black Lives Matter ([link removed])
In other news, Parliament continues to work not only to tackle the pandemic, but other key issues that we face.

The Prime Minister has announced his plan to 'build, build, build' with his New Deal ([link removed]) , investing £5 billion to support jobs and our economy. This includes £1.5 billion to healthcare, over £1 billion for school repairs, £900 million for local growth projects and high streets and £40 million for local conservation projects. It is a great start to kick-starting a green economy to help Britain bounce back.

Outside of the New Deal, a billion pound Covid catch-up plan ([link removed]) has been announced for schools to make up for lost teaching time, as well as over a billion pounds allocated ([link removed]) to rebuild schools to raise standards. The right decision was made as thousands of children will continue to benefit from free meals and activities ([link removed]) over the summer, with the Covid Summer Food Fund and Holiday Activities and Food programme.

After seeing 90% of known rough sleepers housed by Councils across the country over the past couple of months, £105 million has been ring-fenced ([link removed]) to keep rough sleepers safe and off the streets.
As ever, my team and I are here to help. If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to get in touch at [email protected].
Best wishes,
Caroline x

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