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** Welcome to my December Newsletter!
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Hello,

My newsletter is designed to give an overview of what I've been doing as Member of Parliament for Surrey Heath and as a member of the Government, so please feel free to forward this on to your friends, family and neighbours. They can sign up to receive it directly by clicking here ([link removed]) .

With every good wish,

Rt Hon Michael Gove MP
Member of Parliament for Surrey Heath


** A Christmas message to my constituents:
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As we come to the end of twelve months in which COVID has once again played a large part in our lives, I trust you agree there are still many reasons to celebrate this Christmas and New Year. Through some very testing as well as happier times, we have come together as a community. And even though we go into the holiday season facing the renewed threat and disruption from the Omicron variant – as I write, the situation remains finely balanced – both in Surrey Heath and as a country we are in a better place than a year ago.

The vaccine programme and the accelerated booster rollout, and the fantastic efforts of the many thousands of volunteers who continue to step up to make them happen, have been a game-changer. I know well how resilient our brilliant local businesses and residents are: how we are all looking ahead to a brighter, better 2022; and to helping build our recovery.

Our upcoming celebrations might not be everything we wished for – but a cautiously Merry Christmas now will certainly protect us, our families, the NHS and wider society as we go into the New Year and beyond.

On that note, may I take this opportunity to wish everyone in Surrey Heath a very safe and Happy Christmas, and a boosted New Year.


** Surrey Heath News
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Christmas card competition: Each year, I very much look forward to my Christmas card competition. I hugely enjoy receiving all the brilliant and imaginative designs from pupils throughout Surrey Heath, and you can see this year's winning designs from Coworth-Flexlands School in Chobham, and St Lawrence C of E School in Chobham, here ([link removed]) .

Ash Vale step-free access: It remains the case that Network Rail are awaiting news from the Department for Transport on whether funding for these important works will be approved. I wrote to the Transport Secretary in November to chase for an update, and have since received this response ([link removed]) .

Surrey Police funding boost: In an effort to make the streets of Surrey safer, Surrey Police have received a £13.3 million funding boost from the Home Office. You can find out more here ([link removed]) .

South Western Railways engineering works: I recently received an update from SWR surrounding engineering works throughout the end of December and the beginning of January. You can find out more about these works and how they might impact your travel plans here ([link removed]) .

Royal Mail update: Following news that a number of constituents had not been receiving their post on time, I wrote to the Chief Executive of Royal Mail and received this update ([link removed]) . I know that the situation has yet to be resolved for all Surrey Heath residents, so I have recently written again to Royal Mail to press for further improvements.

W. Godfrey & Sons visit: I had a great time visiting the team at W. Godfrey & Sons earlier this month - a nursery in Lightwater specialising in herbaceous plants, which was started 100 years ago in 1921. It was fascinating to learn more about their business and the specific challenges it is currently facing.

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee tree planting: I was absolutely delighted to plant a wonderful Hornbeam tree outside my office in Windlesham earlier this month to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and you can find out more about the fantastic tree-planting initiative here ([link removed]) .

Esso pipeline update: With works commencing on the installation of the pipeline early next year, I am pleased that Esso have agreed to host a public meeting with local residents and Councillors so that representatives from Esso can respond to any concerns, questions or proposals affected residents may have. You can read the latest update from Esso here ([link removed]) .

Neil Dardis catch-up: On 16th December I had the pleasure of virtually catching-up with Neil Dardis, Chief Executive of Frimley Park Hospital. I was very interested to hear how the hospital has been handling the pandemic over recent months and to learn of the planned infrastructural changes occurring in the coming years. I greatly appreciate all that Neil Dardis and his team do, and want to thank them and all who work at Frimley Park for their brilliant efforts.

Looking after your mental health: The pandemic has been a particularly tough period for those who struggle with their mental health, and as we approach Christmas, it is important for anyone who is struggling with their mental health to know that they need not shoulder this alone, and that help and support are available. You can find more information about how to keep your mental health in check here ([link removed]) , and I do hope this is helpful.


** Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities News
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Rydon Homes update: Rydon Homes has been blocked from the government’s Help to Buy loan scheme with immediate effect, and you can read the department's press release here ([link removed]) .

Billions more for councils in England: Councils in England will receive £53.9 billion in funding for the coming financial year, including more than £1 billion of additional funding for social care. You can find out more here ([link removed]) .

Homelessness Prevention Grant: The Government has pledged £316 million of government funding to help tackle homelessness by supporting households in England who are homeless or at risk of losing their home. You can learn more about the grant here ([link removed]) .

New homes to produce nearly a third less carbon: New homes and buildings in England will have to produce significantly less CO2 under new rules announced by the government to help the country move towards net zero. You can read more about these rules here ([link removed]) .

Contact me

The best way to reach me is by email or post, and please include your full address, including postcode, in all communications.

Post: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

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