March is always one of the busiest times in Westminster - it is when the Chancellor delivers their budget for the financial year ahead. I watched in the House of Commons as the Chancellor delivered his and was happy so many things immediately jumped out to me as really good news for people and businesses in Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth.
I absolutely welcome cutting people’s living costs as the huge priority. This is the single biggest problem households in our area face, and it is a relief to see it addressed and tackled so head on. From frozen tax duties to extended energy bill support and free childcare, these measures are really going to help people’s everyday lives and alleviate lots of the pressures many, and especially the most vulnerable, in our community feel.
Back in Bishop’s Stortford, I visited South Street Surgery with Councillor Graham McAndrew to meet with GPs and discuss their planned relocation to Stortford Fields. This is and should be a fantastic healthcare opportunity for our community, and it is shocking that developers at Stortford Fields have backtracked on their promise. The surgery has my full support in their fight. I have written to both the Health Secretary and Secretary of State for Levelling Up for their urgent response and will be sure to share any updates on my social media channels as soon as possible.
The charity Meninadança does incredible work to help sexually exploited girls from Brazil. I visited their office in Bishop’s Stortford recently to show some support and learn a little more about their work. The staff there are so knowledgeable and passionate, and I encourage people to take a look at their website https://www.meninadanca.org/bishopsstortford to find out more.
I was out and about chatting to Sawbridgeworth residents with more of our brilliant local councillors and activists the other week. I really enjoy listening to people’s views on the issues, far and wide, that affect them – you would not believe the amount that can be discussed on a doorstep! It was a really positive session that I have taken a lot away from. Lots to be getting on with.
I visited several local businesses with the Bishop’s Stortford Business Improvement District (BID) last month. We went into Halo Beauty Sanctuary, South Street Pantry and Jackson Square to say hello to staff and hear how things were going. It is really important for me to listen to local businesses and work with fantastic organisations like the BID to help support them. I am also always sure to feedback their views to my colleagues in Westminster for their ongoing review.
I am delighted that Bishop’s Stortford will receive a new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Herts and Essex Hospital. This is something I have worked hard to lobby for, both here and in Westminster. I visited the hospital recently to see the CDC’s exact site and catch up with staff on the exciting news. Additional scans, selected for patients in Bishop’s Stortford’s specific medical needs, alongside extended opening hours, will drastically improve the access to life-saving treatments that our community so desperately needs. I look forward to working with everyone involved to make sure these new services are delivered, as soon as possible.