Dear Constituent,
I hope you had a chance to enjoy a restful Easter weekend with family and friends.
I’ve been working on several important issues both in Westminster and locally. In Parliament, I’ve raised concerns about supporting people with Multiple Sclerosis, improving community mental health services, and holding estate management companies accountable for their practices. I’ve also continued pushing for answers on the contamination of the River Wey and the impact of the Farnham town centre works on local businesses.
Locally, I’ve been in touch with groups like the Greatham Community Hub Action Group and hearing from residents in places like the Pines Estate in Bordon, and Haslemere about issues ranging from healthcare to drainage and transport. Whether it's supporting new projects or helping resolve local problems, I’m committed to making sure your concerns are heard.
As always, if there’s anything you’d like to raise with me, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected].
With every good wish,
WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER
THE NEED FOR A STRONG JUSTICE SYSTEM
Public trust in the justice system starts with feeling safe - especially when it comes to how we manage those who pose a risk to others. That’s why, in Parliament this week, I pressed the Justice Secretary on what more can be done to protect the public from sex offenders and to strengthen the long-term safeguards we already have.
In the last decade, Conservative-led reforms have made a real difference. We introduced Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, given police new powers to monitor offenders (including those convicted overseas), and tightened up the sex offenders register through the 2022 Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act. That Act made it easier to require behaviour change and to make sure serious offenders stay on the radar.
But I know many people locally still don’t feel the system goes far enough, and frankly, I agree with them. Early release decisions made by Labour in recent months send the wrong signal. We need a justice system that doesn’t just respond after the fact but actively works to prevent harm in the first place.
I’ll keep pushing for a serious, joined-up plan to do exactly that.
STANDING UP FOR PEOPLE WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Ahead of MS Awareness Week, I attended an event in Parliament to hear directly from people living with Multiple Sclerosis. Over 150,000 people in the UK have MS, and around 7,100 more are diagnosed every year. Here in and around Farnham and Bordon, about 127 people are diagnosed annually.
The NHS’s upcoming 10-Year Plan must take neurology seriously - starting with faster diagnosis, better access to treatment, and consistent support for those living with long-term conditions like MS.
But recent proposals to cut disability benefits are a real worry. Around 230,000 disabled people could lose access to Personal Independence Payments or the incapacity element of Universal Credit. For many, that would mean losing over £8,000 a year.
These changes risk pushing people with lifelong conditions into even greater hardship, so I’ll keep fighting for a welfare system that’s fair, compassionate, and built on dignity.
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH AT THIS WEEK’S COMMITTEE
This week, the Health and Social Care Committee held its third evidence session on community mental health services - this time looking at how councils and charities are helping people with severe mental illness beyond just clinical care.
We heard from groups like Think Ahead, Turning Point, and the Association of Mental Health Providers. They spoke powerfully about the importance of joined-up care - where housing, social support, and health services work hand in hand. They also laid out the real challenges that come with trying to deliver this kind of support on the ground.
It’s clear that better mental health outcomes depend not just on the NHS, but on real collaboration between local services, voluntary organisations, and government.
As always, if you would like to watch this week’s session, you can do so by clicking here.
DIGITAL ADVERTISING CHAMPIONS - NEW DEADLINE
At the start of this month, I shared news of a fantastic opportunity for local small businesses to become Digital Advertising Champions with IAB UK, the industry body for digital advertising. I’m pleased to share that the deadline for applications has now been extended to 2nd May, giving more time for local firms to take advantage of this exciting initiative.
This is a great chance for small businesses in Farnham, Bordon and the surrounding areas to gain expert advice on how to make the most of digital advertising, while also contributing to a national campaign that highlights the power of digital for growing local enterprise. By submitting a short case study, you could receive personalised support, national recognition, and help shape the kind of assistance that will be made available to SMEs in the future.
If you run a small business - or know someone who does - I’d strongly encourage you to apply or share the link below. Let’s make sure our local entrepreneurs are well represented and supported in the digital space.
www.iabuk.com/digitaladchampion
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 - HM Treasury (17 Apr 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of recent legislative changes at enhancing private sector participation in sovereign debt relief for low-income countries; and whether she plans to introduce further initiatives to help ensure (a) timely and (b) equitable debt restructuring.
Written Answers - Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (17 Apr 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make it his policy to not provide Official Development Assistance to countries that have higher (a) gross domestic product and (b) purchasing parity power than the UK.
Written Answers - Department for Health and Social Care (7 Apr 2025)
Gregory Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions his Department has had with Integrated Care Boards and hospital trusts to prevent falls inside hospitals.
Search for speaker:Gregory Stafford - TheyWorkForYou for more…
WHAT’S GOING ON IN FARNHAM AND BORDON
CHANGES AT HASLEMERE HOSPITAL
Last Monday, I met Haslemere Hospital's executives after it was announced they are anticipating a temporary pause of their inpatient services. Just like our other hospitals in Farnham and Bordon, I know how much the community in Haslemere, Hindhead and the wider area values local healthcare.
I was informed by the Chief Executive of Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - who commissions the Hospital - that the current situation is a result of a change in clinical staffing, specifically, the on-site GP’s retirement. As a result, the GP practice has given notice to withdraw its service from 21st May 2025. I spoke to the BBC to explain that while a tender process is now underway to secure a new provider, there is a possibility that inpatient services will need to be paused temporarily until new clinical cover is in place.
As reported in The Herald, I was later informed that the recent merging of the two wards over Easter was a routine response to lower patient numbers, not a sign of closure. I have been assured that this is a short-term issue and not part of a wider plan to reduce services. The Minor Injuries Unit remains fully operational and is benefiting from a £700,000 investment to upgrade it to an Urgent Treatment Centre.
I will continue to scrutinise every step of this process and work closely with both the Royal Surrey and Surrey Heartlands ICB to ensure transparency, accountability, and the long-term future of Haslemere Hospital is protected.
FIGHTING FOR BETTER SEND & MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
I joined the Last Wednesday Group in Farnham for another powerful and moving conversation about the challenges many families face around SEND and children’s mental health. From delays to EHCPs to the shortage of ADHD medication and the lack of tailored support - particularly for autistic girls - it’s clear the system is under real strain. We also spoke about growing concerns over the Government’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, and the importance of protecting parental choice in education.
There were also serious concerns raised about the performance and accessibility of local mental health services, including Surrey Mindworks and CAMHS. It’s clear that further scrutiny is needed, and I’ll be seeking meetings with the relevant officers and executives in the coming weeks to push for improvements.
I was also pleased to receive a special briefing from a Farnham business owner about the lived experience of ADHD and how we can build a more inclusive education system. Their insight was incredibly valuable, and I’ve since submitted some parliamentary questions to the Education Secretary on the back of it. I look forward to visiting the business soon and continuing the conversation.
I’m especially grateful to Joanna, Vanessa and Emma for the outstanding work they do in coordinating the group and creating such a supportive space for parents to share their experiences. If you live locally and would like to join the group, or are seeking advice or support, you can email them at [email protected]. And of course, if there’s anything I can help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch directly.
RIVER WEY POLLUTION: WE NEED ANSWERS
Following the March contamination incident on the River Wey in Haslemere, I’ve remained in regular contact with the Environment Agency to push for answers and ensure this stays firmly on the agenda. Their latest update confirms that around 500 metres of the river were affected by a fish kill, caused by a pollutant entering via a surface water drain.
Although water samples showed only low levels of commonly used chemicals - likely diluted by the time of testing - this is still a deeply concerning incident. The source of the contaminant has not yet been identified, though the Environment Agency and Thames Water are continuing their investigations. The good news is that fish populations beyond the affected stretch appear healthy, and recovery is expected over time through natural recolonisation.
I’ve also been in touch with the River Wey Trust, who are doing excellent work to monitor the river’s health and keep the public informed. The health of our rivers and natural environment matters hugely - not just for biodiversity but for local residents and future generations. I’ll keep pushing for a full investigation and real accountability to make sure lessons are learned and incidents like this are prevented in future.
CONCERNS AT BORDON’S PINES ESTATE
After being contacted by a resident of the Pines Estate in Bordon, I visited the area to see the issues for myself. While walking around, I spoke with several other residents who raised the same frustrations - poor communication, unclear charges, and a lack of visible maintenance.
Many told me they feel they’re paying for services that simply aren’t being delivered. There’s been little clarity from Annington Homes about what’s included in the charges or when long-promised upgrades, like park improvements or better communal spaces, will happen. I also heard concerns about shared water bills, inconsistent rent levels, and bizarre situations like brand-new streetlights being installed but never switched on, while the old ones remain.
I’ve written to the Chief Executive of Annington Homes demanding answers. Residents deserve transparency, fair treatment, and basic standards. I’ll keep pushing until they get exactly that.
SUPPORTING CHURCH COMMUNITIES
I had the pleasure of catching up with Rev’d Chris Bessant at St Bartholomew’s in Haslemere to hear about the latest developments in the Parish. It was especially exciting to hear about The Link, which will create a warm, inclusive space for people of all ages.
We also discussed some of the broader challenges faced by churches, particularly around the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. This support is crucial in helping historic churches maintain their buildings, many of which serve as vital community spaces well beyond their religious function.
In addition, we spoke about how changing demographics - including declining birth rates - are beginning to affect local nurseries and early years settings. I’ve now written to the Education Secretary to raise these concerns and to ask what steps the Government is taking to support early years providers facing these pressures.
GREATHAM - HAVE YOUR SAY!
I’m always pleased to hear from residents working to make a positive difference in their local area, and I’d like to highlight the fantastic work being done by the Greatham Community Hub Action Group. This group of volunteers is working hard to establish a new café and shop in the village - something that would provide a real boost to community life and help bring people together.
They are currently running a survey to gather feedback and ideas from local people, helping to ensure the project reflects the needs and interests of the wider community. The survey is open until 30th April 2025, and I’d encourage anyone living in or around Greatham to take a few minutes to complete it and share your views.
You can take the survey online at https://tally.so/r/mJM28R. Every response will make a difference in helping shape this exciting community-led project.
THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK AND SURGERY BREAKDOWN
Since my last newsletter, I’ve been contacted about a range of local and national issues, from the impact of the Farnham town centre works on small businesses to disruptions with Universal Credit and the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment.
One constituent asked for help submitting a Posthumous Gallantry Award nomination for a UK citizen who lost his life fighting in Ukraine. I’ve since written to the Cabinet Office to seek guidance on how to support their application.
Another resident raised concerns about urgent drainage issues outside her home. I’ve written to Waverley Borough Council asking them to treat it as a priority. And after hearing from a Churt resident about the lack of Sunday bus services, I contacted Stagecoach, who’ve confirmed that a new Sunday timetable is expected by the summer, in partnership with Surrey County Council.
As always, if there’s something you’d like to raise, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
