45th Weekly Newsletter & Summer Recess Round-up
The weekly newsletter is back - with a new style too - as Parliament returns at a decisive moment. Labour is stumbling as the Prime Minister reshuffles his Cabinet, the Autumn budget looms, and the gulf between the Government’s promises and reality is widening. We’ve already seen troubling economic figures as Starmer tries to launch his so-called “Phase Two”. But time spent across the constituency this summer means I return to Parliament focused on the key issues already on my desk - and ready to take forward the new concerns you’ve raised with me.
BEST PUB 2025 - AND THE WINNER IS…
Pubs are at the heart of our community - yet the sector has faced real challenges in recent years, from lockdown closures to rising costs. I wanted to shine a light on the brilliant pubs we have across Farnham, Bordon, Haslemere, Liphook and our villages, and give residents the chance to show their support.
Hundreds of you took part in my first Best Pub Competition, with nominations coming in from right across the constituency. The response was fantastic, and every pub that received votes should be proud of the backing they enjoy locally.
Earlier today I called the winning pub to share the good news, and I am pleased to share with you that The Crown, Arford has won this year’s competition! I also announced the result in the Chamber during my speech on hospitality, which is included in the video below.
If you voted for the winning pub, keep an eye on your inbox for a special message next week…
FEATURED THIS WEEK
Taking your concerns to SWR’s new boss
South Western Railway was nationalised back in May as Labour hijacks Great British Railways (GBR) - a Conservative initiative. Commuters in our area face continued delays and reliability issues, so I met with the new CEO to raise your concerns.
Addressing our community’s mobile ‘not-spots’
Patchy signal remains a serious frustration in parts of our community, especially around Frensham. That’s why I invited VodafoneThree to the Common to see the problem first-hand and pressed them for real action.
Future Skills Centre left in limbo
Built to deliver hands-on training in the very sectors we need, Bordon’s Future Skills Centre now sits unused after providers withdrew. I’ve pressed ministers for clarity on its future and on post-16 education more widely.
Cross-party push on SEND provision
I joined a cross-party discussion with the Leader of Surrey County Council to address soaring demand for SEND support - rising EHCP numbers, funding uncertainty, and the need for clarity on three promised new SEND schools in our area.
LABOUR’S RAID ON HOMES MUST BE STOPPED
I challenged Labour’s proposals for new property taxes this week - from a revaluation of council tax, to annual levies on homes worth over £500,000, and even capital gains tax on family houses. This so-called ‘reforms’ would be a direct attack on aspiration and stability.
I set out what that would mean locally. In Farnham, families could face bills of nearly £5,000 each year on top of mortgages, council tax and energy costs. In Haslemere the figure would be around £3,600, in Liphook £2,800, and in Bordon nearly £2,000. Pensioners in our villages would be left asset-rich but cash-poor, with the grotesque prospect of being forced to sell homes they have lived in for decades.
These are not sums households can absorb without consequence. They would trap families in homes, block younger buyers from moving up the ladder, and paralyse the housing market across the south-east.
THE HOSPITAL HOPPA: OFF TO A GREAT START
Farnham’s new Hospital hoppa has already become the most used service of its kind in Waverley. In just its first month it completed nearly 90 passenger trips, registered almost 100 new users, and provided door-to-door journeys not only to Frimley Park but also Royal Surrey, Farnham Hospital, Clare Park and other local clinics. Wheelchair users are also making regular use of the service, showing the difference it is making across the community.
I’ve been working with Hoppa over the past year to help secure this pilot and was pleased to take a ride myself to see it in action. It is clear this cannot just be a short-term experiment - it needs lasting support. That’s why I’ll keep pressing Ministers to take community transport seriously alongside working directly with local providers.
SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS
40 years of Grayshott’s Community Lunch
It was a pleasure to join the buffet at St Luke’s Church marking four decades of the Grayshott Community Lunch. Over 40 people came together to celebrate this milestone and to thank the volunteers who keep the tradition alive each week. A special thanks to Angela and the team for such a warm welcome.
Phyllis Tuckwell Motor Show drives support
The Hospice’s Motor Show brought together a fantastic collection of vehicles, from classic cars to a vintage fire truck, all in support of a vital local cause. The event was a great showcase of community spirit, ensuring Phyllis Tuckwell can continue providing care to patients and families every day.
Local issues raised in Dockenfield
I met Dockenfield Parish Council to discuss planning, unfinished developments and the Surrey Hills boundary. I’ve since written to the Housing Minister on planning powers and received an update from Natural England on the boundary process.
Lively discussion at Hawthorn Lodge
From the success of the new Hospital hoppa service to debates on Local Government Reorganisation and SEND, residents at Hawthorn Lodge raised a wide mix of issues. Their questions and insights made for a really engaging visit.
CASEWORK ROUNDUP
Over the past few weeks I’ve been focussing on casework across the constituency, with enquiries ranging from driving licence renewals and speeding traffic, to HMRC tax rebate delays and identity theft. A number of parents have also contacted me about school placements. In some cases I’ve been able to help secure a place by writing to the relevant Local Authority, but it remains troubling that some children are still waiting for clarity even as the new academic year begins.
I’ve also held three surgeries during recess - in Liphook, Farnham and online - covering subjects as varied as the situation in the Middle East, child safeguarding, estate management and food allergies. A few spaces remain for my in-person surgery this month, so please do get in touch if you’d like to book an appointment. You can view the thematic breakdown of the topics I’ve been in touch with everyone about below.
