I hope you and your family have some nice plans ahead of this long weekend, before what is set to be quite the week of hot weather. It’s times like these when the beauty of our area comes into its own, so do make sure to enjoy it if you are fortunate to have the time to do so. Meanwhile the Government is keenly heralding ‘good news’ this week with its planned summer VAT relief scheme for certain businesses - let’s hope we avoid a repeat of the Scotch egg debate during Eat Out to Help Out. It’s a shame they still haven’t grasped the support hospitality businesses actually need, year round: less red tape, no business rates and lower costs.
Greg
FEATURED NEWS
Farnham Estates to develop East Street
After years of delay at East Street, real progress is finally underway. I made clear this site must deliver for Farnham, and I’ve secured commitments on proper consultation and local engagement as plans move forward. This marks the beginning of the end for a long-derelict town centre site.
Successful campaign to stop new McDonald’s
A big win at Tice’s Meadow, with plans for a McDonald’s rejected for harming the countryside.
I was proud to support residents and campaigners, including raising concerns with the Planning Inspectorate. Without that effort, it could have been built next to a local nature reserve. Together, we’ve protected an important green space.
British business in King’s Speech debate
On Monday I spoke about how rising taxes, regulation and employment costs are hitting business confidence in Britain, with firms in our area already cutting staff and pausing recruitment. Young people are being hit hardest, with too many struggling to find that first step into work. The Government must change its course.
Grayshott’s Hidden Valley Nursery
Great to catch up with Matt at Hidden Valley Nursery, now fully open in Grayshott. It’s clear how much work and care has gone into building something genuinely special since I visited last year, with strong demand already from local families. A fantastic addition to the community, and I look forward to seeing them go from strength to strength.
Standards must improve at FirstPort
Residents at a FirstPort retirement site in Grayshott have faced unacceptable standards for too long. I brought the company to site and made clear improvements must happen. I’ve secured commitments on better, clearer communication and an upgraded emergency system. I will be monitoring this to ensure those promises materialise.
A CLEAR MESSAGE TO GOVERNMENT ON SEND
On Monday, I submitted my formal response to the Government’s SEND consultation, shaped by months of conversations with parents, teachers, charities and carers. While reform is needed, there is real concern that the current proposals risk weakening legal protections and placing further pressure on mainstream schools without the support to match. Alongside long-term reform, families need help now. Any changes must be properly resourced, build confidence, and deliver a system that works in practice for every child.
I also went to the Department for Work and Pensions earlier on Monday, where I challenged Ministers on the fact that far too few young people with SEND are moving into sustained employment, with rates as low as 6% for adults with learning disabilities. I raised concerns about the postcode lottery in supported internships and the lack of clarity for those who may lose EHCP support under proposed reforms. The system remains too fragmented, and too many young people are being left behind.
800 YEARS OLD JURY TRIALS TO BE SCRAPPED
Let’s be clear: Labour is proposing to scale back jury trials for a wide range of offences. By reserving juries for only the most serious cases, many ordinary people could lose the fundamental right to be judged by their peers, a principle that has underpinned our justice system for centuries. Ministers have already suggested this is not about addressing the court backlog, raising serious questions about why such a significant constitutional change is being pursued. If the problem is delays in the system, the answer is to fix capacity, not to dilute long-standing rights.
This risks becoming the wrong solution to a problem it does not even attempt to fix.
THIS WEEK’S CASEWORK 'WINS’
I am very pleased that the new bus stop in Passfield has now received final approval and, all being well, will be built in early June. This has been a real team effort, led by a determined local resident working closely with the Parish Council. I was also glad to hear that funding has now been secured for new fencing at the Chantry’s play area, with Waverley Borough Council progressing the appointment of a contractor.
I heard from an elderly resident in Wrecclesham who was unfortunately taken to hospital after a fall, so I helped ensure she was safely returned home with the right transport arrangements in place. I also supported efforts to secure much-needed improvements to home-to-school transport for a SEND pupil in Hindhead, ensuring the right adaptations are made.
