A lot of the focus in Westminster is obviously around resolving the issues relating to Brexit. I believe it is much better for the UK if we do reach an agreement between the UK and EU on key matters, especially regarding trade, for citizen’s rights and for security matters. I am focused on doing what I can to help reach an agreement. Thank you to the hundreds of Chelmsford residents who have written to me with their views and especially to those who would be directly impacted in the event of a “No Deal” exit.
I have been working with other Essex MPs and our Police, Crime and Fire Commissioner to increase resources for our local police. Thanks to this police funding across the county will be increased by £23m. This means Essex Police will recruit a further 215 police officers on top of the additional 150 officers that joined the force last year. This will be partly funded through increased council tax contributions of £2 more per month for a Band D property.
The additional officers will include 68 officers dedicated to town centre policing, 50 officers to local policing teams, 21 roads policing officers, 20 officers dedicated to working with children and young people, 20 officers to boost the force’s crime and public protection command, 20 officers dedicated to dealing with gangs and violence and vulnerability, seven officers to join the Gypsy, Traveller and Rural Engagement Team, six for the Serious Crime Directorate and three for a new dedicated business crime team.
In Chelmsford I am often contacted by residents who have problems with difficult landlords or housebuilders who have failed to build to acceptable standard. The Government has just announced a plans for a New Homes Ombudsman so that buyers of new build homes can access fair, fast and effective redress if things go wrong. There will also be a new Housing Complaints Resolution Service as well as access to redress for leaseholders, private tenants and students in privately run accommodation. We have also just voted on a new Tenant Fees Bill which will put an end to unfair letting fees and hidden charges. This will make it easier for tenants to find a property at a price they are willing to pay, and save renters an estimated £240 million in the first year alone
The Education Secretary has also written to me regarding an increase in schools funding. This includes a pay rise for teachers and a further £250 million funding for those children and young people with the most complex special educational needs and disabilities. I am particularly glad to hear about this extra support for our most children with special educational needs as it is a matter that I have been raising with Government Ministers following correspondence with Chelmsford schools.
One of my new year’s resolutions has been to make sure that in all the big drama of modern day politics I try to also focus on the little things that make a different. I was very glad to be able to help the home hospice team from the Farleigh Hospice who have been struggling with parking problems when they are out on visits to care for very unwell patients. Thanks to the quick work of Chelmsford City Council leader they have now been issued with specialist parking permits which allow the hospice nurses to use ResPark across Chelmsford. I was also delighted that I received unanimous support from MPs across the House of Commons for my “Ten Minute Rule Bill”. This intends to stop developers from putting in large swathes of front doors with letter boxes placed near the ground and is the number one ask from Chelmsford postmen and women when I met them before Christmas, because multiple low boxes can back problems for deliverers and are more likely to have dog attacks.
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