Chelmsford schools do an exceptional job supporting our children and young people. When I became MP for Chelmsford, I led a campaign for fairer funding as Essex schools were receiving far lower funding than those in areas such as London. The campaign was successful, and our school funding was levelled up. However recent inflationary pressures have put extra pressures on school budgets. Before the recent Autumn Statement, I was one of 28 Conservative MPs who wrote to the Chancellor urging him to increase school funding. The Chancellor listened to us and I am very pleased that schools as well as the NHS will receive additional funding.
I have added my signature to a number of amendments related to Planning Laws in a Bill that is currently working its way through Parliament. The amendments would make it easier for developer funding towards infrastructure to be delivered before new homes are built, prioritise development on brownfield sites, give authorities the ability to tackle land banking and require new homes in England to have solar panels.
In Chelmsford I visited the maternity unit at Broomfield Hospital to meet midwifes, doctors and staff. The unit is extremely busy. I was very moved to hear from two new mums about how impressed they were by the care they had received.
The vast majority of pregnancies result in happy and healthy births, but tragically some do not. I was very moved to hear from Tabitha, the Senior Specialist Bereavement Midwife about how the team support bereaved families following the tragic loss of a baby. I was shown the new Blossom Garden, which is a quiet and tranquil space for bereaved families to visit whenever they need to. A beautiful Christmas Tree of Angels has been put up to remember lost babies.
I also visited the warm welcoming space that is open at Beaulieu Community Centre every Friday afternoon. With the cold weather biting and many people feeling lonely it is great that these spaces are popping up across Chelmsford.
I am delighted that the Chelmsford Central Family Hub has reopened opposite Chelmsford Central Library and provides integrated early support and advice for families, children and young people. Family Hubs offer a one-stop shop of support services for mental and physical health plus educational and social care needs.
As ever, if you require my help, please do email me on [email protected]
I wish you and your families and loved ones a peaceful Christmas and Happy New Year.
