Dear Constituent,
As Parliament begins its Easter Recess, I’ve been spending time here in the constituency, continuing to work on the wide range of issues raised with me, both by individuals and local organisations.
In recent days, I’ve been following up on concerns about access to banking in Farnham, backing the recruitment of on-call firefighters in Bordon, and supporting parents appealing the decision not to issue an EHCP for their child. I’ve also raised the case for safer roads outside St Mary’s School in Frensham, where I hope we will soon see the speed limit reviewed and reduced.
Nationally, I’ve submitted questions to the Health Secretary about the sustainability of children’s and adult hospices, met with climate campaigners from Headley, and challenged the Government’s short-term thinking on VAT relief for repairs to listed churches - a policy that has long supported the preservation of our historic places of worship in our area.
Meanwhile, I’ve also pressed for clarity from the Transport Secretary on Labour’s expensive rail nationalisation plans for South West Rail, which risk costing taxpayers hundreds of millions - money that could be far better spent on delivering practical improvements to local transport links.
Please note that there won’t be a newsletter next week as next Friday is Good Friday, but I’ll be back in touch the following week when Parliament returns.
In the meantime, if there’s anything you’d like to raise with me, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – whether it's a local matter, a national issue, or something more personal: [email protected].
Wishing you a peaceful Holy Week and a Happy Easter.
With every good wish,
WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
CHURCHES LEFT IN LIMBO BY VAT RELIEF ROLLBACK
Churches are some of the beating hearts of our communities; places of worship, community, and continuity. Many are also stunning listed buildings, rooted in our shared history and central to our towns and villages. But preserving them comes at a cost.
For years, a vital VAT-relief scheme has helped churches fund essential repairs. At the start of the year, Labour still hadn’t confirmed the future - which is why I pressed the Government to confirm it would continue this vital support.
While I welcome the decision to extend the scheme, it comes with a catch: it’s only been renewed for one year - and with a reduced budget and new spending cap. This isn’t a solution. It’s a stopgap that risks leaving our churches worse off.
I raised the issue with the Church Estates Commissioner. While it’s positive she has spoken to the Culture Secretary, warm words are not enough. Our local clergy and congregations need certainty, not cuts.
LABOUR’S RAIL BLUNDER COSTS TAXPAYERS £250 MILLION
In a staggering development, The Telegraph revealed this week that Labour’s rush to renationalise the railways has already cost taxpayers an extra £250 million. During the General Election, they claimed it wouldn’t cost a penny. That promise has unravelled fast.
I made a full statement on my social media channels, but I remain deeply frustrated by this avoidable blunder. The Department for Transport, under Labour's direction, has walked blindly into this fiasco - and now we’re all footing the bill.
I’ve tabled a direct question to the Transport Secretary. If this is the cost of just the SWR franchise, what happens when they take over the other nine?
Meanwhile, I’ve been campaigning for practical, affordable improvements like a new rail-bus link for Whitehill and Bordon, but the Government has shown no interest, no funding, and no action. Instead, they’ve thrown hundreds of millions down the drain with nothing to show for it. It’s disgraceful.
SUPPORTING THOSE LIVING WITH PARKINSON’S
Today is World Parkinson’s Day, held every year on 11th April - the date James Parkinson first published his groundbreaking work on the condition.
Since becoming an MP, I’ve spoken to a number of constituents affected by Parkinson’s, either personally or through loved ones. It was a privilege to meet with Parkinson’s UK in Parliament recently to hear first-hand from their volunteers and learn more about the vital work they do.
If you or someone you know is living with Parkinson’s and needs support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me as your local MP. You can also find help and advice from Parkinson’s UK at www.parkinsons.org.uk or by calling their free helpline on 0808 800 0303.
HOW I AM RAISING YOUR CONCERNS IN PARLIAMENT
By following each link you will be able to see the answers I have received from the departments.
Written Answers - Ministry of Defence (1 Apr 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of replacing Capita with a tri-service agency on the armed forces recruitment process.
Written Answers - Department for Health and Social Care (1 Apr 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to take steps with the Secretary of State for Education to promote (a) CPR training and (b) defibrillator use in schools.
Written Answers - Home Office (4 Apr 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions her Department has had with (a) Surrey Police and (b) XPS Administration on the service provided to (i) police pension claimants and (ii) people awaiting a remediable service statement.
Search for speaker:Gregory Stafford - TheyWorkForYou for more…
WHAT’S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
ACCESS TO BANKING IS A RIGHT - GOVERNMENT MUST STEP UP
When Santander announced the closure of its Farnham branch, I immediately contacted the Economic Secretary to the Treasury and LINK, the UK’s cash access network, to raise the alarm and request urgent discussions.
While the Government has yet to respond, I was glad to meet with LINK’s Head of Financial Inclusion to press the case directly. I made it clear that this closure will hit Farnham residents and businesses hard - and that action is needed.
At present, we still have Nationwide for personal banking and a Post Office for basic business services. But it’s simply not enough.
What Farnham truly needs is a Banking Hub offering face-to-face services for multiple banks in one place. Yet under current legislation, LINK is unlikely to approve one. Their decision may be legally sound, but it doesn’t meet the needs of our community.
I’ll be speaking with local councillors and reviewing the original criteria set in the last Parliament. Times have changed, and the Government must change with them. We need access to full banking services, not just access to cash.
ROAD SAFETY AT ST MARY’S, FRENSHAM
After visiting St Mary’s C of E Infant School for World Book Day in early March, I met with Headteacher Lucy Allan to discuss a serious local concern: the speed limit on the A287 outside the school.
Many residents will know the stretch - just after the ‘Frensham Straight’ - where traffic often remains fast-moving. Shockingly, the speed limit is currently 40mph, right outside a school.
Following our meeting, I wrote to Surrey County Council to call for urgent action, including a review to reduce the speed limit to 30mph; a much safer level for pupils and parents.
I’m pleased to have the backing of Councillor David Harmer, and the Council has now confirmed it will conduct a full safety review of the current limit.
I’m hopeful the review will support our case and that we can move quickly to implement this important change. Road safety near our schools must be a priority - not an afterthought.
BORDON’S FIRE STATION NEEDS YOU!
It was a pleasure to visit Bordon Fire Station on their recent recruitment day for on-call firefighters. The station, based on Conde Way, is impressively equipped and plays a vital role in protecting Whitehill, Bordon, and the surrounding areas—but it needs more support.
Becoming an on-call firefighter is a fantastic way to give back to the community. You receive training, an annual retainer, and are paid for the hours you’re called in. If you’ve got the time, it’s a commitment that truly matters.
You can find out more on the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service website, where all the key information is available if you're thinking of signing up.
The team will be attending more local events soon—so if you spot them out and about, do stop by and say hello!
SPEAKING UP FOR HOSPICES
I recently visited Shooting Star Children’s Hospice just outside Guildford and met with their Chief Executive, Paul, to discuss the challenges facing children’s palliative care services across Surrey.
We spoke about the latest report from Together for Short Lives, which paints a stark picture of the pressures facing hospices - especially in the wake of rising costs and workforce pressures.
Following our meeting, I submitted written questions to the Health Secretary, along with a formal letter raising concerns about the future of both children’s and adult hospices. These services are a vital part of our care system, yet they’re being squeezed by rising National Insurance contributions and increased operating costs.
I will continue to play my part in making sure their voices are heard at the very highest level.
THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK AND SURGERY BREAKDOWN
It was another busy morning at my advice surgery in Hindhead, speaking to constituents about a wide range of important issues.
My first conversation was about the ongoing difficulties many people face in accessing dental care, especially when it comes to restorative treatment. I’ll be following up by writing to the relevant health bodies to see what can be done.
I then met with a parent going through the SEND appeals process, after their child was denied an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). These are incredibly tough situations for families, and I’ll be offering my full support as they navigate this next stage.
Later, I spoke to two representatives from the Climate Action Group in Headley - we had a good discussion about how we can take more environment-friendly steps locally, and I’ve agreed to keep that conversation going both here and in Parliament.
Other appointments touched on PIP assessments, NHS care for older people, and support with Adult Social Care - issues I know matter deeply to many across our community.
If you’d like to meet me at a future surgery, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
As always, you can find a breakdown of this week’s themes below.
