Ahead of writing to you, I have announced my decision to return to the backbenches after the conclusion of the leadership contest. It has been a great privilege to have served three Prime Ministers and a Leader of the Opposition in the Whip’s Office since 2022. I have shared responsibility for coordinating my party’s contribution to parliamentary business. I am looking forward to the opportunity that returning to the backbenches affords me to dedicate more time to South Shropshire.
As autumn descends, inclement weather has returned and resulted in flash flooding across South Shropshire. This has greatly affected villages such as All Stretton, where I have seen its impact first-hand. Following my visit, I have called on the government to drive down flood risk from every angle and take urgent action to help those impacted. This can be achieved, for example, by reforming the Flooding Recovery Fund so that support is more easily activated following localised flooding.
I have greatly appreciated meeting those who attended advice surgeries I have held across the constituency. My team and I have been following up on requests, as well as many others I have received via email, phone, and letter. In the coming months, my surgeries will be touring other parts of South Shropshire. Head to my website or get in touch to find out when I’m in your area.
One of these key issues has been on mobile phone signal and broadband connectivity. I am delighted that after engaging with Openreach and EE, we were able to get a phone mast fixed in Stanton Long, which covers a lot of Much Wenlock and had been out of service for several months. I am raising the issue of rural connectivity in partnership with the local council to seek investment from the Government for areas like South Shropshire.
I have also been raising rural concerns in Parliament, for example speaking up for the many students affected by the new government's decision to impose VAT on independent education. This will impact almost a thousand pupils in South Shropshire who attend schools like Concord College, Bedstone College, and Moor Park, as well as increasing the pressure on state schools.
Since the General Election, youth unemployment has sadly increased in South Shropshire. I want to see this worrying trend affecting rural communities like ours changed for the better. So, I used the Department for Work and Pensions Question Time in Parliament to hold Ministers to account on this. While I welcome the government’s intention to deliver a plan to address this topic, I want to see a clear focus included on rural communities.
It has been great to meet with people and support the many communities in South Shropshire. I enjoyed my visit to Dorrington Village Hall for the Macmillan Coffee Morning, as well as joining the Friends of Stanmore Country Park for the unveiling of a hand-crafted listening seat and enjoying the local delights on display at the Ludlow Food Festival. I have appreciated meeting with local mayors and councillors to get an insight into the challenges faced in their areas.
Households across Shropshire will be feeling the impact of increased energy costs this winter, especially following the removal of winter fuel payments from those not in receipt of means-tested benefits like Pension Credit. I am glad my campaign to extend the Household Support Fund has resulted in an extra £2 million for struggling households across Shropshire. It will empower the Council to continue supporting those in need with the cost of everyday essentials like energy. I would also encourage anyone who may be eligible to apply for Pension Credit so they can receive support this winter.
