As I write to you, I am recovering from further surgery to have another toe amputated following complications after my original operation to have my foot reconstructed. While it is frustrating to be out of action for longer, it shows that recovery can take time and isn’t always straightforward. Although the gunshot wound I sustained in the Army was thirty years ago, it is complex with a mix of bone fragment and shrapnel lodged in my foot – making it increasingly difficult to walk. I am grateful to my family and fellow residents in South Shropshire for their support. I continue to write to Ministers, ask questions and deal with constituency issues as I recover, so please get in touch if I can be of any help to you.
In between these procedures my advice surgeries returned to Bridgnorth. While there, I met Christians Against Poverty. They are just one example of the incredible social impact being made by local faith communities. Last week, I also met with education leaders from across South Shropshire. This included the Community College in Bishop's Castle and AmazingCPD in Broseley, which offers training for local teachers to develop new skills. I want to support education in South Shropshire so that every child gets the education and support they deserve.
I recently responded to the Local Government Finance Settlement. While the headline figure shows an increase of £1.2 million increase in assessment funding for Shropshire Council, compensation for the hike in employer’s National Insurance Contributions at £2.5 million more than wipes this increase out. The rural services delivery grant has also not been continued despite repeated calls I had made, resulting in a deficit of around £10 million. Most of the increase also relies on a full 5% increase in council tax, contradicting the government's pledge not to raise taxes on working people.
I am concerned that Lloyds Bank plans to close its branches in Ludlow and Bridgnorth in May in another major blow for our high streets. This change affects local charities, churches, and communities who rely on their services. At both branches, two thirds of customers are aged 55 or above. Lloyds’ alternative for Ludlow customers is almost 23 miles away in Hereford, while Bridgnorth residents have been signposted 11 miles away to the Tettenhall branch in Wolverhampton. As one of the largest inland counties in England, Shropshire deserves better access to in person banking service than this. I have implored the Bank’s CEO to reconsider this decision and called on the Chancellor to safeguard access to cash in rural areas.
Constituents have also contacted me with concerns about scams and other fraudulent activities they should not have to put up with including scam texts, phone calls, and fake advertising. These crimes can happen to anyone at any time. Everyone must be equipped with the skills and knowledge to report scams. My Scam Awareness and Support Hub on my website aims to safeguard fellow residents from these pernicious activities. I have also called on Ministers to launch a strategy to improve awareness and increase the confidence to report any incidents so they can be quickly investigated and acted on.
Our public services are some of the most important elements in our communities that we depend on. From transport links that enable us to see loved ones and travel to work to the emergency services that are there for us we need it most, I want to deliver the funding and support to enhance public services across South Shropshire. The Chancellor must seize the opportunity presented by the Spring Statement on 26th March to positively reset relations with rural communities, delivering investment that will support our residents and opportunities and unlock the skills and opportunities to unleash economic growth. A failure to do this would be catastrophic. I am calling on residents across South Shropshire to let me know what the Chancellor should prioritise. This survey is available on my website.
