The past few weeks have brought good news for Chelmsford public services. NHS leaders have announced that we will keep the 24 hour A&E department at Broomfield Hospital. The hospital actually falls into our neighbouring constituency of Saffron Walden, but many Chelmsford residents have told me how vital the A&E is for them. As the City’s MP I have raised their concerns with ministers and health bosses. It is good to know we were listened to. A small number of the most seriously ill patients will still go straight to specialist centres, for example people with severe burns already come to Broomfield from all over Essex and further afield.
We have also had the announcement that Essex County Fire and Rescue service will now become the responsibility of our Police and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst. Essex is leading the country in this new, innovative collaboration between emergency services. It will mean more resources can be sent to front line policing and fire services.
In Chelmsford 94% of our schools are ranked “good” or “outstanding”. Since June I have met with the Chelmsford secondary school head teachers and visited many primary and junior schools - thank you Meadgate Primary for your fabulous end of term show! The Government has announced that core funding for schools will rise from nearly £41 billion in 2017-18 to £42.4 billion in 2018-19, and to £43.5 billion in 2019-20. This means funding per pupil will be maintained in real terms. Chelmsford schools have historically received lower levels of funding than those in some other parts of the country and I hope our new fairer funding model will help correct this. No school will lose any funding as result of the new formula. Every school will get a minimum 0.5% cash increase each year and schools that have been underfunded will see increases of up to 3% annually. In the Autumn we will hear specific numbers for each school.
Over the summer I am meeting many Chelmsford businesses and local charities. Do get in touch if you want to meet up.