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 Hertford and Ware.
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.
There is a big win for us drivers in there too – almost four million pounds for potholes and improving roads in Hertfordshire alone. I look forward to working with local councils and councillors to make sure we see as much of that go towards our towns as possible.
In Stanstead Abbotts, it was a pleasure to attend the Inland Waterways Association Lee & Stort Branch’s Annual General Meeting. I spoke about the historic connection our area has with these rivers and just how important it is to protect them and the people living on them. The club shows such commitment and passion for our waterways - it really was a lovely event to be a part of. Thank you to them for their warm welcome, and especially to Councillor George Cutting for his ongoing work and support.
It was fantastic to volunteer at Ware FC on the Blue’s recent matchday against AFC Dunstable. The club relies on volunteering to host fixtures and Pitching In is a really clever new way for people to find these vacancies online and in one place. I had a great time learning how to man the turnstiles for a day and know there are lots of other roles going like it at the moment too. Take a look at their website if you can – it is this kind of community support that makes Ware FC such a special club and must definitely have something to do with their latest wins!
The good news on Ware town’s post office continues. I have pressed the Post Office to keep the ball rolling with their final preparations. I will put out another update as soon as plans are fully confirmed. My Facebook page ‘Save Ware High Street’s Post Office’ is the first place I do this to get the news out. Signing up to my newsletter via the homepage of my website is another great way to stay in the loop on this campaign and lots of others too.
Casework is by far one of the most important parts of my role as MP. Please do not hesitate to get in touch. As always, I am here to help.