I HOPE you’ve had a great summer.
Thank you to the many parents and carers who joined my ‘Coffee with Claire’ event in Bradley Stoke, with a focus on improving special educational needs and disabilities support.
Thanks also to Ian Boulton, council cabinet member for education, and to those who filled in my online survey. I will be sharing our community’s views directly with ministers.
South Gloucestershire has long received the lowest level of school funding per pupil in England, via the funding formula inherited from the previous government.
I’ve consistently raised this, including long before being elected, and did so in the House of Commons recently.
I was pleased to hear the Schools Minister confirm that the funding formula will be kept under review, and done carefully to support schools’ financial planning.
At the recent Spending Review, the Chancellor announced that the schools budget in England will increase by £4.5 billion a year by 2029. There will also be £2.4bn to rebuild 500 schools – including Patchway Community School. Having visited recently, I know the difference this will make.
Given the particularly challenging phase of roadworks at the start of August, I wrote to the council raising these issues.
Like you, I have been horrified by the suffering in Gaza.
I recently spoke in a debate in Parliament to raise the dire situation on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank, and met with Middle East minister Hamish Falconer to share our community’s concerns.
Our government is working tirelessly to secure a ceasefire, ensure hostages are safely returned, and deliver urgent humanitarian aid.
I fully support our government’s plans to recognise a Palestinian state – without Hamas playing any future role – and wider work with other nations towards a lasting peace via a two-state solution.
I also spoke in the Commons about the importance of taking further action quickly to clean up our rivers.
I am glad that, following the publication of the independent Water Commission’s report into the future of the sector, our government has committed to abolishing Ofwat and creating a new independent regulator. I worked closely on the Water (Special Measures) Act as a member of the Bill Committee, including banning bonuses for failing water bosses.
Locally, I met with First Bus to see their new electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, Thales to hear more about their defence and community work, and the team at Aerospace Bristol to see their brilliant work preserving our heritage.
It was also inspiring to meet Winterbourne Environmental Group and see their impactful work creating Frome Valley Pollinator Pathways.
I also held my regular advice surgery in Lyde Green, while volunteers and I spoke with fellow residents on doorsteps in Filton, Cribbs Causeway, Stoke Gifford and Bradley Stoke.
My small team and I have also been working on 701 new cases for residents this month. If you need support, please get in touch at claire.hazelgrove.mp@parliament.uk.
I’ll be running ‘Coffee with Claire’ and ‘Pub Politics’ events throughout the autumn, along with advice surgeries, door-knocking sessions – and generally being out and about in our community – I hope to see you soon!