GOOD AFTERNOON and welcome to my South West Surrey update No.199. After one of the most difficult part conferences I can remember, I consider the Prime Minister’s speech, the tax u-turn and what is in store for the new government. When it comes to pain of a different sort I cover my marathon madness on Sunday, vandalism in Farnham and aircraft noise.
WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
LIZ TRUSS SPEECH Yesterday we saw The Prime Minister deliver her first speech as Prime Minister to the Conservative Party Conference where she set out some of the thinking on her economic policies. She argued that “whenever there is change, there is disruption” but that ultimately economic growth will benefit everyone. Despite the chaotic moments this week, I think she is right to say the big challenge now is shifting the paradigm on growth so we can afford to fund the NHS/public services and keep taxes low. Despite the setbacks of the week, she came over as robust and utterly determined to deliver ‘growth growth growth.’ The ex-Foreign Secretary in me was also pleased when she got a long standing ovation for saying she would stand four-square behind Ukraine.
TAX U-TURN Obviously this all follows a screeching u-turn from the Chancellor earlier this week regarding the top rate of income tax. A relatively small issue in financial terms became a huge political problem for the government and ultimately, a complete distraction from the rest of the measures they had announced. Although I recognise that some tax cuts may be both necessary and unpopular, it would have been wrong to cut taxes for the very richest at a time when people on lower incomes are feeling such a squeeze from the cost of living crisis. So we ended up with the right thing happening the wrong way. But important, also, to remember the other measures in the mini-budget that will affect us all: these include the energy price freeze at £2,500 for an average household (which alone will reduce inflation by 5%); the reversal of the National Insurance rise meaning that from November most will get a £330 tax cut; the 1p cut in basic rate income tax and the reductions in stamp duty for lower priced houses. How will these be paid for? We are now expecting earlier analysis from the respected OBR which will need to put everyone’s minds at rest (not least the markets) that these changes are sustainable.
GREEN SPACES UPDATE Yesterday I met the head of the Natural History Museum to talk about biodiversity and how vital it is for climate change as part of research for a new book I am writing. So it is probably the right moment to reiterate, contrary to the rumour mill, that the new government is not going to tear up any laws that protect nature or reduce its commitment to NetZero, something the PM reiterated this morning. Like me they remain committed to the legally binding target to halt the decline in species abundance which has meant, sadly the UK has the lowest level of biodiversity amongst the G7 nations. It is also committed to protections for at least 30 percent of our landmass (for which a Surrey Hills National Park will help!) and 30% of the oceans globally (where we control a surprising amount) by 2030. It is worth reading the thoughts of the excellent new Environment Secretary on the matter here who has also told me he will visit SW Surrey soon. The Levelling Up Secretary Simon Clarke was also quick to refute suggestions that the new Investment Zones could be placed in National Parks.
COVID UPDATE There was another worrying increase in the number of people with Covid with 1 in 65 people having the virus in the week ending 17th September, compared to 1 in 70 in the previous week. The dashboard data shows a similar trend over the last 7 days with cases up by 42.4% and hospitalisations up by 47.7%. Deaths, which obviously lag the other indicators, were still down by 2.3%. All the more reason to get your covid booster jabs like I did earlier this week!
The key number remains 0300 200 1008 for anyone with pandemic related difficulties. Also please check out my full list of local groups working to support vulnerable residents.
WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH WEST SURREY
MARATHON MADNESS After 26 gruelling miles I was proud on Sunday to finish my first marathon. Having flogged round the Surrey Hills in Hascombe, Hambledon and along the River Wey I was ready for some pain. But - for me at least - the 'wall' did not really materialise because I was just overwhelmed with the amazing crowds who carried us forward. I don’t think there was any part of the entire course where there weren’t people cheering on the over 40,000 runners. The London Marathon is thought to be the best in the world - and I can now see why. Every year we recreate a mini-version of the crowds that come out for a Jubilee, the Olympics or (more sadly of late) a Royal funeral - and always with the same goodwill, generosity and trademark good humour for which we are so well-known. You can read my full experience on my Facebook post here or in the Herald here. I was running with my brother Charlie who himself has cancer and was a total inspiration in the way he just ran through the pain in his right leg. Between us we raised over £43,000 for the Royal Surrey’s new Cancer & Surgical Innovation Centre and Sarcoma UK, so a massive thank you to everyone who supported us! The link to my Just Giving page is still live for anyone who hasn’t yet donated but would like to.
SURGERY CALLS In yesterday’s surgery I had a fascinating call with a former nurse in Farnham about the potential for a permanent bank of reservists modelled on Army reservists to help the NHS in future pandemics. She now works for a management consultancy who will give people 10 days paid leave every year to allow them to do it. It is similar to a recommendation made by my select committee and makes good sense. I also spoke to a lady from Beacon Hill very concerned about the decline in the number of smaller shops, which have been converted to houses and flats, and the loss of the local pub. She also had concerns about bus services, especially to Grayshott where the doctor's surgery is. I will take up the issue with Stagecoach. I then spoke to a lady from Farnham who was born without an eye which she thinks may have been caused by medication called Debendox taken by her mother when pregnant. I am chasing the health secretary and the regulator, the MHRA, on this as it is very similar to some issues I came across with a drug called Sodium Valproate when I was in the role.
FARNHAM CRIME WAVE I visited the vandalised Maltings porch and shops in Downing St in Farnham on Friday and had a good discussion with Sgt Mike Knight. Since then, I have found out that a Boots store was burgled on The Borough on Sunday. There was also an incident in Folly Hill captured on doorbell cameras and there have been multiple attempts to break into cars there. I think we need additional police presence - perhaps with the police using the Council offices as a base (as is the case in Godalming), as it is key to nip these incidents in the bud. But on a point of reassurance, we now have 260 more police officers in Surrey than in 2010 including over 100 starting this year.
AIRCRAFT NOISE Many of you have written in regarding your concerns about an increase in aircraft noise, particularly in the Churt area. I fully appreciate how awful it can be and have been liaising with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Last week, I scheduled a meeting for 16th November with the CAA, the Farnborough Aerodrome Consultative Committee, Farnborough Airport and Robert Courts MP, Minister for Aviation. I will of course keep you updated as to how the meeting goes along with agreed outcomes. In the meantime, if you are affected by this issue and haven’t already been in touch, please email [email protected] so I know ahead of the meeting.
AND FINALLY… This week I've contacted Surrey Outdoor Swimmers to invite members along to a meeting with me and Surfers Against Sewage to discuss the bathing waters campaign and how this would improve water quality for those swimming in the River Wey. If you are an outdoor swimmer in SWS, please email me if you too would like to join our meeting but don’t ask me to join you…the Marathon is quite enough for now!
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