February 2024 Update
I am pleased to bring you my February 2024 Update. As ever, if you would like to sign up to my mailing list, you can do so on this page or by emailing [email protected].
Dear constituent,
The conflict in the Middle East remains a deeply emotive issue for residents, many of whom contacted me ahead of the SNP opposition day motion last week. While there was not an opportunity to vote, I am continuing to support the Government's position for a sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Of course, there is a crucial need to increase humanitarian support for Gaza and to focus on practical solutions to protect civilian lives. I am encouraged by the air dropping of aid into Northern Gaza and welcome the Government's continued commitment to press for an immediate pause in fighting to allow additional aid into the region.
Nobody wants to see the continuation of violence, destruction and loss of innocent lives, but the only workable solution to this is a permanent and sustainable ceasefire. Any action taken, therefore, must directly serve the aim of ongoing peace in the region.
Locally, it is important for residents to feel safe in our community; racism and prejudice of any kind is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. I have been in touch with local police who I know are being proactive in addressing concerns shared by residents.
If you would like to keep up to date in between newsletters, I would encourage you to visit my website or Facebook page.
London Marathon 2024
I have been lacing up my running shoes in preparation for this year's London Marathon, taking place in April. Readers may recall that in 2022 I ran in support of the Paul Strickland Scanner Centre and the William Low Trust, two local charities carrying out incredibly important work.
This year, I am proud to be raising money for the Alzheimer's Society. The charity provides vital support to those who need it most and fund ground-breaking research to transform the future for everyone living with dementia. In fact, work carried out by the Alzheimer's Society has led to greatly encouraging clinical trial results for Lecanemab and Donanemab, the first drugs of their kind to demonstrate a reduction in the rate of decline in people’s memory and thinking.
The money raised will allow the Alzheimer's Society to continue to fund more research that has the potential to produce positive results, giving hope to residents and their loved ones who have been affected by this heart-breaking disease.
It was also a pleasure to meet with Carlotta Rauch from the Alzheimer's Society in Parliament. It was a great opportunity to hear more about their work, to discuss the importance of getting a dementia diagnosis and the hope offered by new treatments.
If you would like to donate to the cause, please visit my fundraising page here.
Discussing funding and treatment with Carlotta from the Alzheimer's Society in Westminster
In the Constituency
Surgeries
This month I have been continuing my regular surgeries and meeting with residents to discuss their concerns and priorities. I am grateful to the teams at Cofix in Northwood, Cafe Amici in Pinner, Al Forno in Ruislip and Harefield Library for hosting me this month.
If you would like to make an appointment to meet with me, or if you are a business who would be interested in hosting a surgery in the new year, please email [email protected] or telephone 0203 545 2462.
With the Harefield Library manager at my recent surgery
Children's Mental Health Week
Residents may recall that in December I met with Sarah Thompson from Coram Life Education Hillingdon to discuss the mental wellbeing of children and young people in the constituency.
In support of Children's Mental Health Week, which took place between 5 and 11 of February, it was a pleasure to join Sarah at Coteford Infant School to see one of the wellbeing workshops in action. It was great to see the children engaging with the theme, and being encouraged to share how they are feeling.
It is so important that children are provided with the space to talk about their thoughts and feelings and - with the help of Harold the Giraffe – it is great to hear that young people in our area are being supported.
With Sarah Thompson, Harold the giraffe and headteacher Louise Crook at Coteford Infant School
Bird Boxes
In December, I met with pupils from West Lodge, Pinner Park and Cannon Lane primary schools to discuss local and national environmental issues and concerns. It was really encouraging to hear about how passionate the pupils are about protecting and preserving local wildlife and biodiversity.
As promised, I dropped the bird boxes to Pinner Park and Cannon Lane primary schools so that they can further their environmental cause.
Dropping bird boxes to Pinner Park and Cannon Lane schools
Royal Mail Delivery Office
A number of residents have contacted me about our local postal service, particularly around the late delivery of NHS letters. I had the opportunity to feedback these concerns during a recent visit to the Royal Mail Delivery Office on Pinner Road.
Having spoken with the team, I understand that undated letters from the NHS are received by Royal Mail for unscheduled delivery, meaning that letters are not required to be delivered on or before a specific date. It therefore seems to me that the NHS must amend its system to ensure that urgent mail is sent appropriately.
I was also interested to hear the differing perspectives on proposals to change postal deliveries from a five-day service, and the potential cost-benefits of this.
Overall, it was an interesting and productive visit, which provided a greater understanding of how the local postal service is organised. I am very grateful to the team for taking the time out of their busy morning to speak with me.
With the team at the Royal Mail Delivery Office on Pinner Road
Illicit E-Cigarettes Trading in Hillingdon
Also this month, I joined the Imperial team to discuss illicit e-cigarettes and tobacco trades across Hillingdon. Given its proximity to Heathrow Airport, this issue affects the borough more than any other in London. I am reassured that there has been a significant decline in the number of illicit cigarettes seized over the past year, which has largely been attributed to increased measures at the airport.
I am also encouraged to hear that Hillingdon Council has taken a proactive approach to tackling this issue by setting up the Hillingdon Tobacco Control Alliance, addressing illicit tobacco and e-cigarettes, as well as harm reduction.
As part of the visit, I met with two local retailers: FoodFare in Howletts Lane in Ruislip and Manor News & Sweets, while just over the border in our neighbouring constituency, serves residents in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner. I heard first-hand about the impact that sales and illicit trade is having on legitimate sales at small, independent stores.
It was an insightful visit, and I am grateful to all for their time.
Speaking with the owner of Manor News & Sweets in Ruislip Manor
TfL Survey Response
In November, I invited residents to take part in a survey on local TfL bus services. It was encouraging to receive generally positive feedback, and to hear that services are valued by residents. However, there were certain areas where greater connectivity is sought, which I later raised with TfL.
In their response, TfL have agreed that they would like to see improved connectivity, and thanked residents for their comments and suggestions, which will be looked into as part of service planning to improve the network.
Concerning the specific routes that were raised, these were addressed in the response from TfL, which can be read here.
If you have any queries, or any further concerns you would like raised, please do let me know. Additionally, I would also advise contacting Susan Hall, as Mayoral candidate and GLA member, as well as your other GLA representatives who are best placed to hold the Mayor and TfL to account on transport issues within London.
In Parliament
Despite being the shortest calendar month, February has been a busy time in Parliament. From debating Local Government finance towards the beginning of the month to Leasehold reform only recently, Parliamentarians have had much to consider.
In addition to my regular contributions in the chamber, I have been keeping busy holding meetings and supporting the Ministry of Justice in my role as Parliamentary Private Secretary. There has been much said about party politics and the role of the Speaker in recent weeks, but I want to assure constituents that I have not let this get in the way of representing them.
Local Government Funding
My constituents will know of my long-standing support for both of our local authorities. Hillingdon and Harrow have routinely provided excellent services and support for residents, and I am eager to support them in this work.
We have seen a number of high-profile news stories in recent months about the financial stability of councils across the country. Local government finance is already a huge part of overall Government and public sector expenditure, with the vast majority going on protecting the most vulnerable.
The Government recognises the incredible pressure placed on local authorities in recent years. As well as recommitting to the £600 million additional funding announced in January, the Government has gone further this month, announcing a settlement totalling nearly £65 billion for local authorities in England for the next financial year. This new funding means that funding for local government in England will rise by 7.5% in cash terms for 2024-25.
This funding importantly includes a £1.2 billion uplift to the social care grant, which can be used for children’s or adult services subject to individual local priorities. During a debate in Parliament this month, I welcomed this significant injection of funding. I focused my remarks on local government funding formulas and the need for real reform to ensure councils can continue to deliver the services residents expect.
Ministers assured me that they would continue to monitor the financial health of all councils on a regular basis, and I know that both Hillingdon and Harrow are committed to sound financial management. I finished my remarks by paying tribute to all councillors and council workers who are doing an admirable job under tough circumstances.
If you would like to watch my full contribution to the debate, you can do so here.
Independent School Fees
The Government has always sought to champion education at every level and has a proud record of investment and reform that has allowed attainment levels to rise over the last fourteen years. This Government understand the vital role that education plays in all our lives. Just this year, school funding will total about £57.7 billion, and next year it will be £59.6 billion. I am very proud to say that that will be the highest ever real-terms spending per pupil.
The Government’s commitment to quality education has seen 89% of all schools achieve “good” or “outstanding” at their most recent inspection, an increase from 68% back in 2010 when the Conservatives entered office.
I am proud that this has meant that my constituents have access to excellent education in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner. This month, parliamentarians debated the status of independent schools and the matter of VAT. Residents might know that the Labour Party has set out its intention to levy VAT on independent schools and end their business rates exemptions should it form a government after the next election. I oppose this policy as does the Government.
In my brief remarks, I set out the importance of the private educational sector and the specialist role that it can play in education. In my constituency, we have five thriving independent schools in the traditional sense, while we also have academies that operate as independent schools and private SEND schools. It was the latter on which I focused.
I did so as I firmly believe that levying VAT and business rates would jeopardise the education of the most vulnerable. I drew particular attention to an equine facility in the constituency that provides therapy for mute, autistic children who are placed there at the expense of the local authority, Should this levy be introduced, they may need to reassess the arrangement due to increasing costs.
More widely, this policy has been shown to directly impact the taxpayer. Many would no longer have the freedom of choice when it comes to school places, and some would need to relocate their children as a result of drastically increased fees.
You watch my full contribution to the debate here.
Leasehold Reform
The Government’s flagship Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill includes many important changes to law. This legislation will, at a stroke, make it cheaper and easier for more leaseholders to extend their lease, buy their freehold, and take over management of their building. I know that this Bill addresses the frustrations of the many leaseholders in my constituency and for this reason, I was keen to speak in this Bill’s Second Reading in the House this month.
Beginning my remarks, I thanked two constituents in particular who have faced an uphill battle when supporting their communities. Suzy Killip from the Pembroke Park Residents Association and Jo Tapper at The Sigers have both championed their communities throughout my time as the local MP, and I want to continue supporting them over the coming years.
In my brief remarks, I focused on both the implications of the legislation and the challenges faced by constituents like Suzy and Jo. Drawing on my experience both from my career as a financial advisor and as a local councillor, seeing new developments reach completion and the problems faced by those who feel trapped in a problematic leasehold.
I strongly support this important Bill and I know that provisions within the Bill will protect many of my constituents who feel ripped off.
You watch my full contribution to the debate here.
Questions
Oral and Written Parliamentary Questions continue to provide the quickest and most effective method of scrutinising government plans.
At the beginning of the month, I had the chance to ask the Minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs about the importance of enhancing biodiversity. Raising the success of Riverside Park, I asked the Minister to join me in congratulating Harrow Council and the Hatch End Association for their dedication to local green spaces.
Those constituents who live around Hatch End will know that thanks to the work of the local association and Harrow Council, Riverside Park has recently opened. With the park’s reopening, yet another green space has been delivered in our local area, enhancing local biodiversity.
In her remarks, Minister Rebecca Pow commended both groups for their work. Highlighting the addition of an apple orchard, wetlands and a wildflower meadow, the Minister commented on the importance of nature restoration. This can be viewed here.
More recently, I raised a number of Written Questions in relation to the fly-grazing horses on Breakspear Road South that had appeared to be abandoned by their owners. While they have now been rescued by the council, a number of my constituents had contacted me about their welfare.
I was glad to receive reassurances from Ministers that existing legislation grants local authorities the authority to seize horses that have been neglected and abandoned on private or public land.
Haydon School Visit to Parliament
It was a pleasure to welcome pupils from Haydon School to Parliament recently. In addition to discussing pressing local and national issues, my team were also pleased to offer their advice on how those interested in working in politics can gain experience in the field.
Once again, for further information about the tours, please follow the links below:
Free 'Inside UK Parliament' Tours
Speaking with pupils from Haydon School in Parliament
Exemplary Service
Constituents who have reached out to my office or have approached my predecessor, Nick Hurd, will undoubtedly have benefitted from the excellent service provided by my PA, Jill Brown.
It is not always possible to express my gratitude in public for my team, but as Jill has recently marked her 50th anniversary of service in the House of Commons, I used a Point of Order to put my thanks on the record. Jill has worked for a number of MPs over the years and has provided support and help to some of my most vulnerable constituents in their times of greatest need.
As ever, if my office can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to get in contact.
Kind regards,
David
