I HOPE you’re keeping well this winter.
Last month, my team and I worked on 495 new cases for residents, and I held my regular advice surgery, this time in Patchway.
As part of this, I supported a resident facing Home Office delays preventing them from starting their vital NHS role, helped a local business with HMRC delays which were causing financial strain, and resolved DWP issues for a resident, leading to a significant backdated payment.
I’ve also spoken up for our community on a range of issues, including raising issues with government ministers about support for bereaved Armed Forces families, treatment for rare cancers, adoption support, access to nature and more.
I’ve asked ministers and South Gloucestershire Council about clear next steps on Hambrook Junction, ahead of the report being published on local air quality, and asked questions and shared concerns about the potential development on Hicks Common in Winterbourne.
Since being elected, I’ve hosted regular ‘Coffee with Claire’ events across our large constituency, including in Downend.
I believe in doing politics differently and these informal events have been invaluable for hearing directly from you as – together – we make ours an even better place to live.
Last month, I launched a new report at a special event, where I summarised local people’s top priorities from these events and, together, we shaped local campaign plans on these. This report and ways to get involved can be found at clairehazelgrove.co.uk/local-campaigns.
Locally, I met with our Chief Fire Officer and the team at Patchway Fire Station to discuss their vital work. I’m very pleased that our Labour Government’s Fair Funding Review included an additional £15.6 million for Avon Fire and Rescue Service in their core spending power over the next three years. Having previously met with local firefighters, I raised local funding issues with our new government and am proud that we now have a better, longer-term deal for our community.
I visited Rolls-Royce following our government’s £8 billion deal providing Türkiye with 20 new Typhoon fighter jets, which will see the local team providing vital engine components and maintenance. I also visited GKN Aerospace to hear more about the West of England Institute of Technology’s work.
I was glad to meet with and thank Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire for their support for local people, and enjoyed visiting Little Stoke Primary and judging a debating competition at Mangotsfield School. In Parliament, I also spoke at an event about empowering girls in politics and hosted an event with ‘GoHenry’ on financial education.
I’m passionate about supporting young people to develop foundational skills to set them up well for adult life.
I was also proud to vote for the ‘Hillsborough Law’, making it an offence for public officials to mislead, and supporting victims and families in inquiries.
This is just the start of what I am determined will be another successful year for our community. Please get in touch anytime at claire.hazelgrove.mp@parliament.uk.