Your regular update on my work for people in Faversham and Mid Kent

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** Building Back Better
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This Autumn seems to have flown by.

My Faversham and Mid Kent inbox is fuller than ever, in Westminster I've been part of the Treasury team delivering the Budget (#economy) , and in Glasgow I played a small part in our historic UK COP26 (#COP) .

However, the mood at Westminster has been subdued. The murder of our colleague Sir David Amess at one of his constituency surgeries has been an enormous shock and sadness to us all. Sir David was an outstanding public servant whose work in his constituency made so many people’s lives better. He will be greatly missed.

While his death necessitated a review of security measures for MPs, all the tributes to David were an inspiring reminder of what an MP can do for their community.

Locally I've been on the warpath about the discharge of sewage by Southern Water (#water) , securing investment and a face to face meeting with the Chief Executive. I've also been working with councillors and campaigners to scrutinise proposals for Lidsing and Heathlands Garden Villages (#housing) . And a highlight of last month was visiting Blean Woods (#woods) to see a natural approach to addressing climate change and lending a helping - if not very hefty - hand.

In Parliament, the Chancellor delivered the Budget, and we are getting on with our plan to rebuild from the pandemic with a stronger economy, which works for people right across the UK. Reforms to alcohol duty and introduction of draught relief to support pubs and hospitality were a highlight of the Budget for me as Exchequer Secretary, but also important for jobs and livelihoods here in Faversham and Mid Kent.

While I truly believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us thanks to the vaccination programme, Covid hasn’t gone away. My thoughts are with people who have lost loved ones, and I wish those who have been hit recently by this horrible virus a full recovery. If you are eligible, please do be sure to have your booster vaccine.

Looking back to where we were a year ago, the progress we’ve made gives me a great deal of optimism.
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The murder of Sir David Amess followed the death of James Brokenshire - two colleagues who are much missed


** A stronger, fairer
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Alongside the Chancellor and Treasury team ahead of the Budget and Spending Review

As Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, I've been working with the Chancellor and Treasury team on our Budget and Spending Review.

Thanks to the vaccine rollout, the Government’s support for businesses, and our Plan for Jobs, our economy is recovering faster than predicted, and we want to make sure that this recovery benefits everyone.

This Budget drives growth, boosts businesses, strengthens public services and supports working families and the most vulnerable households.

Our levelling up agenda will see families and business across Faversham and Mid Kent benefit, including our pubs and high streets. Crucially, it provides more opportunities in places where there historically hasn’t been enough.
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Setting out the Government's vision for levelling up as part of the Budget debate


** Standing up for residents on
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I’ve been fighting to make residents’ voices heard in our draft Local Plans.

I’m bitterly disappointed that Maidstone Borough Council has decided to go ahead with the Heathlands and Lidsing Garden Villages. I’ve made my concerns clear to the Council many times including in my submission ([link removed]) last Christmas.

While decisions about what is built locally are made by locally elected Borough Councillors, I’ll continue to stand up for my constituents to make sure their voices are heard in these important decisions.

I’m pleased that thanks to pressure from me and local residents, Swale Borough Council have looked again at their plans and decided on further consultation. Have your say on the plans here ([link removed]) .


** Wetter is better for
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Giving volunteers a hand with making dams to re-wet parts of Blean Woods

Last month I visited the Blean Woods to see how Government funding, and the hard work of volunteers, are helping the woods respond to climate change.

Old drainage ditches in the woods are being dammed to help the woods store more water – preventing flooding and making the woodlands even better at storing carbon.

The RSPB received funding from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund to support this work and the project is being ably assisted by local volunteers.

Part of my brief as Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury involves climate finance, so it was particularly good to see how national policies are having a benefit locally.
At the London Stock Exchange recently to launch our first Green Bond ([link removed]) to fund greener transport projects across the country


** Don't derail train improvements, I tell Rail Minister
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A lot of people have contacted me recently about the decision to end the Southeastern franchise.

Southeastern’s contract came to an end on 17 October and the franchise is now being run by the Operator of Last Resort ahead of major changes to franchising arrangements being introduced in 2023.

I’ve called on the Rail Minister to make sure rail users in Faversham and Mid Kent have a reliable service and affordable fares under the new arrangements.

I’ve also called for vital upgrades to local stations – including renovation work at Faversham station and lifts at Headcorn station – to finally get the green light. Read more here ([link removed]) .


** Getting GP services back on track
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On a recent visit to Len Valley Practice to discuss getting more face-to-face appointments for patients

I’m determined to get local primary care services back on track after the pandemic.

Like other parts of the NHS, GP practices have seen an increase in demand for services while having reduced capacity on account of Covid.

Last month, I visited Len Valley Practice to hear first-hand about the pressures faced by staff in general practice, and the steps being taken to increase face-to-face appointments.

Our Budget and Spending Review last week confirmed that the NHS budget is set to be £40 billion higher by the end of this Parliament, with £250 million of funding announced to improve access to GP appointments ([link removed]) over the winter.
At Faversham station last month to talk about tackling crime and anti-social behaviour


** Creeking gets investment
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I’m delighted to have helped secure £2 million to clean up Faversham Creek, but I know people are eager to see improvements go further.

I’ll be meeting Southern Water later this month to put people’s concerns about sewage discharges and local flooding directly to the company’s Chief Executive.

I’ve called for a clear plan for investment in our waste water network following record fines handed out to the company in the summer.

The Government has announced that the Environment Bill ([link removed]) will now include a legal duty on water companies to reduce the impact of sewage discharges – another step towards cleaning up our rivers and coastline.


** Good news for flexible working
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On a visit to the recently opened Maidstone Jobcentre Plus - hearing how our Kickstart Scheme ([link removed]) is helping young people locally

Flexible work is something I’ve campaigned for since being elected, and it’s great to see another big step in making it a reality.

The Government has announced ([link removed]) plans to allow workers to request flexible working from the first day of their employment.

As we build back from the pandemic it’s so important that everyone has a chance to put their talents to use, whatever their circumstances. Flexible working will allow more parents to share childcare, help businesses keep staff, and move us further towards closing the gender pay gap.

This is good news for families and delivers on another of our manifesto commitments.


** Real progress made at
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Talking about the benefits of investment in net-zero projects with delegates at COP26

I was delighted to be in Glasgow for the COP26 summit last week.

I’m glad we’ve been able to make real progress in tackling climate change – from agreement on ending deforestation and cutting methane emissions, to phasing out coal power.

As Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, I’ve been working to increase climate finance to help developing countries transition to greener forms of energy – something that is crucial for limiting global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees.

But action on tackling climate change starts with everyone’s decisions, which is why I’m continuing to campaign for more electric vehicle charging points in our towns and villages and safer paths and cycle ways to encourage more people to go greener locally.
It's been great to hear from schools and clubs across Faversham and Mid Kent taking part in Parliament Week this year


** And finally... recognition for Kent's coast!
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It’s so exciting to see Kent being recognised as the wonderful holiday destination that it is.

Global travel guide Lonely Planet has named Kent’s Heritage Coast in it’s top 10 regions to visit in the world in 2022 ([link removed]) . It was the only place in the UK to make the list and came in 4^th place above destinations like Puerto Rico and Vancouver Island!

The last two years have been incredibly tough for our local tourism and hospitality businesses. This is going to give them a much-deserved boost, along with the Chancellor’s announcement that business rates will be cut for almost all retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses next year.

I’m determined to continue supporting our local hospitality businesses in their recovery from the pandemic.

Please remember to keep yourself and others safe. Latest coronavirus guidance can be found here ([link removed])


** 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]) .
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Member of Parliament for Faversham and Mid-Kent
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