56th Weekly Newsletter
Yesterday’s quietly-released figures confirmed the obvious: the Government’s housebuilding targets are so vast they have no realistic prospect of being met. Yet these same unachievable targets are being used to let developers override local concerns and push through poorly-planned schemes in our communities. With a national park on our doorstep, and real pressure on our roads, schools and GP surgeries, this top-down approach risks doing real harm while still failing to deliver the homes we actually need, in the places that need them.And as we head into a deeply uncertain Budget week, not a single business I’ve spoken to is expecting good news. I will oppose any tax rises or anti-business measures the Chancellor brings forward.
Greg
FEATURED THIS WEEK
Farnham lights up for Christmas
On the weekend I once again had the pleasure of turning on Farnham’s Christmas lights, alongside the Mayor, Town Crier and young Joe - who has always dreamed of switching on the lights. The festive occasion marks the beginning of what is always a wonderful time for us in our area - I’m looking forward to what’s to come!
Questions remain over Troubles veterans
Many of us remember how turbulent The Troubles were, but now the Government is making legislation which isn’t fit for purpose and doesn’t afford veterans the protections they deserve. Labour are steadfast in their position, despite the words of Irish politicians.
90 years of locally-led social housing
The Grayshott and District Housing Association marked its 90th anniversary on the weekend, celebrating the decades of hard work from local volunteers to deliver housing to those on low incomes. There are three new houses set to be built in the new year - I look forward to seeing them when complete.
An excellent visit to All Saints, Tilford
I’ve said many times that visiting our local schools is one of my favourite activities - not least as it gives me the opportunity to hear from the youngest in our community. All Saints in Tilford was no different - I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the pupils and Headteacher Mrs Walters.
HOUSES IN THE RIGHT PLACES
You may recall that Labour hiked local housing targets last year, doubling the numbers for both Waverley and East Hampshire. We all recognise the need for more homes, but residents are clear that they must be built in the right places and supported by the right infrastructure.
This week I met the South and East Liphook Residents Association, together with Parish, District and County Councillors, to discuss how these targets will affect the town, particularly given its proximity to the South Downs National Park. With more than half of East Hampshire lying within the Park, the district faces an uphill battle in accommodating these new requirements.
I am now seeking a joint meeting with East Hampshire District Council and the South Downs National Park Authority to continue this work, and I will meet residents again once further discussions have taken place.
MINISTERIAL MEETING ON WAVERLEY’S DEVELOPER LEVY
Waverley Borough Council has the highest charging rate outside of London for what’s known as CIL - or Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). You may have seen the local Conservatives’ campaign against a deeply troubling issue where those who should be exempt are being charged eye-watering fees, sometimes costing them their homes.
Alongside my Waverley counterpart Jeremy Hunt, I took this issue directly to the Minister for Housing and Planning and I am pleased to report back that, thanks to the hard work of local Conservatives, the Government hopes to amend the regulations to prevent this unfair CIL-trap from capturing more people in our area.
CASEWORK ROUNDUP
It has been a busy week helping residents with everything from NHS complaints and GP access to housing problems, planning decisions and school transport issues. I have also been supporting those facing delays with travel visas, making sure concerns are raised quickly. Transport and infrastructure problems have featured heavily too, including DVLA delays, concerns over flooding, and frustration with roadworks and street lighting. Alongside this, I’ve been assisting with financial support queries and taking up several safeguarding and policing concerns.
