As we continue to cut the budget deficit, there remain serious pressures on the public finances. That makes it vital that we get a fair deal when it comes to funding for local public services. For too long under the previous Labour administrations, central government took for granted the amount of taxes contributed by businesses and people in Elmbridge, and overlooked the social pressures  we face - including pockets of very real need, an ageing population, and a rising birth rate. I campaigned hard to deliver fairer funding from the Treasury back to Elmbridge - including a higher share of revenue from the sale of new homes, more money for local school places, and stronger local flood defences.

Take schools. Between 2010 and 2015, I secured an increase in capital funding and ‘per pupil’ funding to support the program of expanding school places across the borough. As a result, we’ve seen the expansion of a range of local primary and secondary schools - including Burhill primary school (pictured) - as well as the establishment of two new free schools. It remains one of my top priorities to make sure we have the school places we need - and to promote the highest standards of teaching in the classroom.

Of course, strengthening local public services is not just about money. We need reform too. So, for example, I have been supporting our local Clinical Commissioning Groups - made up of doctors, and other medical practitioners - who, from 2012, acquired the responsibility for commissioning health services for the local community. This change to local commissioning is important to help tailor healthcare to the specific needs of the local community, ensure patients receive care closer to home where possible, and take pressure off the major hospitals.