In April 2018, as Housing Minister, I launched a consultation looking at how the government could do more to help local councils and the police combat illegal traveller encampments. The Government has now published its detailed plans to give the police new powers to disperse unauthorised encampments, and support local councils in using their existing […]
Read MoreToday, I visited Cobham Free School headteacher Michaela Khatib and Chair of Governors, Howard Morris at their new site in Cobham. They talked me through their plans to introduce the Sixth Form to the site this September, and gave me a tour. I share their frustration at the length of time it is taking to […]
Read MoreToday, I visited Steven Le Van who runs Le Toy Van, a family-run toy company based in East Molesey. We were joined by his brother Johnny who helps out now and again. The company specialises in making traditional wooden toys with a contemporary style. Le Toy Van was founded by Steven and Johnny’s father, George, […]
Read MoreOn Friday, I caught up with Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County and Elmbridge Borough Council. We discussed a number of local issues such as school funding, Elmbridge’s Local Plan and council finances. We also discussed Heathrow’s latest airspace consultations, which set out plans to accommodate more flights on the existing two runways, and propose […]
Read MoreToday, I visited Arbrook House, a care home based in Esher, to meet with residents and staff. I also had the opportunity to plant an oak tree in the grounds with resident Claus Tribius. Arbrook House is set in beautiful grounds on the outskirts of Esher and underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2014. The nurses […]
Read MoreThis week, I was delighted to learn that 10 of our great local primary schools in Esher and Walton have seen an increase in the proportion of pupils achieving the expected standard (or above) in reading, writing and mathematics at Key Stage 2 level (Year 6). These great results are a testament to the hard […]
Read MoreAt the start of the year, the Environment Agency revealed proposals to update and enhance the Lower Mole Flood Alleviation Scheme, which protects local homes and businesses from flooding. Since its inception in 1989, the Scheme has provided protection to low-lying areas in Molesey, Esher and Hersham by controlling the flow of water via 3 […]
Read MoreLast Friday, I went to Claygate Primary School to help pupils plant five saplings which were donated as part of the Queens Commonwealth Canopy initiative. The Queens Commonwealth Canopy is a collaborative effort, set up by Frank Field MP, Sainsbury’s and The Woodland Trust to establish a network of forest conservation projects across the Commonwealth, […]
Read MoreAt the end of last week, the government announced that Surrey police will receive up to an extra £17.6 million next year to support local policing. This includes an extra £3.9 million from central government, and the potential of a further £13.8 million from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) precept. It would represent an […]
Read MoreToday, I visited Walton Community Hospital, part of Central Surrey Health (CSH), a social enterprise that provides a variety of health and care services in the community. Walton Community Hospital has 38 beds meaning it is able to care for patients, most of whom are elderly and have been referred from their GP or hospital (mostly […]
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