Welcome to my November Newsletter!
Hello,
My newsletter is designed to give an overview of what I've been doing as Member of Parliament for Surrey Heath, 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.
With every good wish,
Rt Hon Michael Gove MP
Member of Parliament for Surrey Heath
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A Christmas Message for my Constituents
As I am sure you will all agree, 2022 has been an extremely eventful year. We have, as a nation, begun to rebuild after the pandemic, shown tremendous support to Ukraine in the wake of Putin's terrible invasion, and mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth II. All of this in the face of a changing political landscape. It has not been easy, but I am pleased that we are now on a more stable footing.
Our Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and my Cabinet colleagues, are all working incredibly hard to pave the way to a brighter future for the country, and I am confident that 2023 will prove a more positive year for us all.
I want to wish everyone in Surrey Heath a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
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Surrey Heath News
Christmas Card competition: One thing I always look forward to at this time of year is my Christmas card competition. It is always such a great pleasure to look through all the wonderful and creative designs from pupils throughout Surrey Heath, and you can read more about the competition and see the winning designs here. I was so pleased to visit both Lyndhurst and Hall Grove on 2nd December to present parliament-themed prizes to the winners, and certificates to the runners up. I had a wonderful time meeting them, and was thrilled to have had the opportunity to help decorate the tree at Hall Grove!
Queen's Green Canopy: At the beginning of this month, I was delighted to plant two trees in Windlesham to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s dedicated service to our country, honouring her truly amazing legacy.
Small Business Saturday: It’s so important for us to champion our small businesses that do so much for our local communities and the economy, and to show my support on Small Business Saturday, 3rd December, I popped into a couple of fantastic small businesses in Lightwater - Traditional Barbers of Lightwater and George Arthur Butchers Ltd. Please join me in giving Surrey Heath small businesses the trade and encouragement they need to thrive.
Lightwater Christmas Fair: After visiting some small businesses in Lightwater, I then went on to Lightwater Christmas Fair in the Square to visit all the wonderful stalls, and to start off my Christmas shopping.
Special Educational Needs provision in Surrey: On 7 December, I convened a meeting in Parliament between Surrey County Council and my fellow Surrey MPs to discuss Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision for children across the County and the growing demand on these important services. A number of parents in Surrey Heath have been in touch with me about this particular issue, and it was reassuring to hear about all the work that the County Council is doing to overcome the challenges it has been facing in order to ensure that access to vital SEN services is readily available for those families in need of support. I am incredibly grateful to Cllr Clare Curran, Liz Mills and Tracey Sanders of Surrey County Council’s Education and Learning Department for coming to Parliament to meet me and my colleagues, and I look forward to being updated on the improvements being made.
M3/A322 Junction update: Further to my previous correspondence with National Highways regarding the congestion at the M3/A322 junction, I have received an update following investigations into improving the traffic signal control. I had understood that National Highways would be implement some soft enhancements for the peak period to try to improve the situation. These changes were due to be made on 16 December, but disappointingly, I have just been informed that the changes have be delayed until January. I will continue to share any updates I receive.
Mytchett Farm Flooding: Having been contacted by constituents regarding flooding at Mytchett Farm, I have this month contacted Surrey Heath Borough Council and Surrey County Council to ask for their help in resolving the issue. I shall be sure to share any updates in due course.
Surrey Heath Service Families: This week, I met a number of service families in Camberley to discuss their concerns about their accommodation. It’s clear that far too many service families are in housing which is inadequate. I have raised this with the Minister for Defence Procurement and I am grateful for the action that he is taking on this important issue.
Collingwood College: I was so delighted to learn that Collingwood College has been provisionally selected to receive extra investment as part of the next round of the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme. You can read more here.
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Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities News
Communities put at heart of planning system: The government has set out new measures in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to place local communities at the heart of the planning system. You can find out more here.
Housebuilding market study: I have recently written to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to ask them to consider undertaking a market study of the housebuilding sector. You can learn more here.
Onshore wind consultation: The government will consult on proposed changes to national planning policy on onshore wind development to explore how local communities can show support. You can read more here.
Increased Homes for Ukraine 'thank you' payments: Thousands of families who opened their homes to Ukrainians fleeing Putin’s illegal war will now receive a package of further support, and more details are available here.
Councils funding package: The provisional local government finance settlement has confirmed an almost £60 billion package for councils in England for the next financial year. Read more about this funding here.
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Contact me
The best way to reach me is by email or post, and please include your full address, including postcode, in all communications.
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