Happy New Year! Within the blink of an eye, 2025 has arrived. I am writing to you, having just begun my recovery from reconstructive surgery on my foot. I suffered a high velocity gunshot wound during a live firing attack at the age of just 17, which shattered my foot and has required treatment ever since. I am using this opportunity to highlight the ongoing physical and mental impact that ex-service personnel face. As home to some 4,000 veterans, I know many others in South Shropshire share this experience. That is why I am so committed to making Shropshire the best place to be a veteran – ensuring it is as easy as possible to access the right support at the right time.
The new year has begun with a scurry of announcements from the government, following the Prime Minister’s ‘Plan for Change’ published in December. Sadly, his Plan does not mention rural areas even once. This is perhaps unsurprising, given the government has decided to plough ahead with its decision to ‘redirect’ funding previously dedicated to rural areas. Last year, it saw Shropshire Council equipped with an extra £9 million to deliver services. As the Council has reported, Shropshire’s rural geography means that it takes longer and costs more to deliver services than it does for most other authorities. Without the necessary support, rural councils may have to resort to steep increases in the council taxes levied on local residents. Due to financial pressures being faced by the Council, it is looking to save an extra £8.5 million and launched a public consultation on ways of doing so. I would encourage local residents to take part before the deadline of 26th January 2025. The quickest way to take part is completing the survey online, at www.shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/budget-consultation-202526/, but assistance to take part is also available at local libraries and Shropshire Local Hub. I will continue to stand up for fairer funding for rural council.
On the final week of the parliamentary year, the government announced it will not provide financial compensation to women affected by increases to the State Pension Age. Almost four million women were impacted. The Ombudsman found two incidents of maladministration – in 2005 and then again in 2006 – when the government at the time could have been better in communicating the changes. It has made a clear recommendation that compensation should be paid to those impacted. Ignoring their advice erodes trust in politics. I am calling on Ministers to step up to their responsibilities and take swift action to address injustices inflicted the last time that they were in government.
January has also brought with it news of increasing energy prices, as the Energy Price Cap has increased by a further £21. This will be worrying for many residents across South Shropshire. When added to October's increase, it means that the Cap on typical annual bills has risen by £170 since October – an increase of more than 10 per cent. I want to ensure vulnerable households get the support they need. So, I am pleased to be supporting Energy Savers’ Week. It is an annual campaign, this year running between 20th and 26th January 2025, to raise awareness of how to make homes more energy efficient and get the best deal from energy suppliers.
South Shropshire is home to many historic buildings – like New Market Hall in Bridgnorth. Yet, urgent action is needed to ensure its continued use. So, I was delighted to meet Bridgnorth locals, Huw Rees and Richard North to discuss it. Huw has initiated a petition calling on Shropshire Council to use its powers to acquire the building for the good of the community if urgent remedial action is not taken by the owners. After a decade of disrepair, it is time to revive the building for the future.
This year, the litmus test for me will be whether the government’s plans will benefit rural communities, where we have so much unlocked potential to drive economic growth and prosperity. I am clear that the government must not only continue its financial support for farmers but secure a fairer price for their produce, who are too often ripped off by larger companies. I also want to find out your thoughts on what the government should prioritise. Whether it is health, housing, education, or planning your feedback is important to me. So, do visit my website and share your views. If you prefer a paper copy, just let me know.
