In the past year, our Loughborough Constituency team and I have handled 1,754 casework cases (and 12,276 related emails) and responded to 6,468 policy emails on a wide variety of topics. I am particularly keen on addressing casework for constituents. Dealing with an issue alone is challenging, especially when faced with a brick wall or an organisation that just says ‘no.’ My casework team and I relish attempting to solve these problems or provide answers to your questions. There is nothing better than finding a solution for someone.
This year, I have been very pleased to welcome some senior figures from the government to our area, making the case for Loughborough to be top of their priority list. In August, the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak came and visited our fantastic Great Central Railway. Stuart Andrew, Minister for Sport came to see Loughborough University and Loughborough College and the new NFL Academy in Loughborough. Rob Halfon, Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education also came to officially open the T Level Centre at Loughborough College, funded with £2.3m Department for Education funding. In addition, John Glen, Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Andrew Griffiths, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, both attended one of my regular Business Breakfasts online. And at the beginning of the Summer, Penny Mordaunt came and met local residents.
I was also delighted to host my usual Small Business Saturday event to encourage local residents to shop in the Town Centre, thank you to Charnwood Fisheries, Field Street Tanning, Field Street Fitness, Vista, and Ryatt’s Optometry who all supported the event.
As legislators, MPs contribute to shaping bills, and over the year, I have been proud to contribute to several bills that have become law. I helped shape the Tool Theft Bill, expanding its scope to not only include farm machinery, but also consulting on incorporating tools from tradespeople. Following a panel I chaired at Charnwood Borough Council over 10 years ago, during my time as a local councillor, I have supported the Offenders Day of Release Bill, preventing prison leavers from being released on a Friday when no local support is available. Both of these have now become law. Looking to the future, I am urging the Government to consider my amendment to the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, which would reduce unnecessary redaction of data when a case file has been sent to the CPS and doesn’t result in a charge. This would free up time for the police and allow them to be visible on the streets in our communities.
However, local issues are my top priority. That's why I am launching my campaign to Save Shepshed Tip. In my opinion, the proposed closure of the Tip will have a negative impact on local people, forcing you to travel further to dispose of your waste and recycling. Shepshed is a town. I have expressed my objections to the closure to Leicestershire County Council, but I need you to do the same. Please visit http://tinyurl.com/savethetip and complete the survey by 24th January so that the council will see a clear demand and need for this service.
In further local news, the Community Inclusive Trust are proposing to open Bowman Academy at the start of the academic year 2024-2025. Being built in Shepshed, it will create up to 64 school places for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs from across Leicestershire.
If you have another local priority you'd like me to hear about, please get in touch.