This month’s Budget posed many challenges that will impact families, farmers, local businesses, and schools across our community. Many of the measures were both unnecessary and deeply unfair and I’ll be working hard to challenge them in Parliament to ensure that Sevenoaks, Swanley and the Dartford villages voice is heard.
One of the most troubling aspects was Labour’s proposed tax on family farms by reducing inheritance tax relief. Over the last few weeks, I have met with some of our farmers locally to discuss the impact of the Budget announcement, and I saw many of them again on the day of national protest against the measures. In uncertain times, we should strengthen domestic food production, not undermine it. Farming families are the backbone of our food supply, yet this tax risks driving many out of the industry, leaving us dependent on imports and vulnerable to global disruptions. Over time, this could permanently reduce productive farmland, altering our countryside. Once that land is lost, it is gone for good.
I have also been in touch with a number of our small businesses. From hairdressers and cafes to pubs and local shops, all are facing the consequences of Labour’s plan to increase employer National Insurance contributions. For many, this increase will make hiring new staff impossible, and some may even have to consider scaling back operations just to stay afloat or lower future wage increases.
Sevenoaks deserves a Budget that supports its residents rather than burdens them, and I will continue to stand up everyone in our community so that Labour understands the true cost of these policies on communities like ours.
If there is anything I can do to support you, your family or your business, please do email [email protected]. I will always do all I can to help.
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Below is a snapshot of what we have been working on. If there is anything, I can do to support you, please get in touch.
- To mark Remembrance Sunday, I joined services in both Sevenoaks and Swanley to pay my respects to those who lost their lives fighting for our country. I also planted a commemorate cross in the Garden of Remembrance in Westminster. Each MP was invited to do so on behalf of their constituency by the Speaker of the House of Commons. The garden was incredibly moving and allowed us all to give thanks for those who were lost in our communities. Whatever may divide us, I am confident that we will always remain united by the unending debt we owe to those who lost their lives. We will remember them.
- I was delighted to welcome to Sevenoaks, Google who hosted a “Google Digital Garage” at the Bat and Ball Centre. As part of their outreach, Google are inviting local businesses to such events to help them learn new digital skills, especially as AI develops and becomes more and more important. It was fascinating to sit in on one session about Marketing Strategy and speak with the attendees and trainers. I learnt so much and it was great to hear positive feedback from those businesses in attendance.
- In excellent news, I am pleased that usage of the #477 bus increased by a significant amount in October. This is exactly what we need to happen to argue to continue the trial. Thank you for all that are using the #477, and please continue to do so – as the route must be used for it to be reinstated permanently. I’m also aware of continued reliability issues which some of you have experienced. This is unacceptable and I continue to raise these with Arriva directly.
- I have also recently received a number of complaints concerning the reliability of the 233 bus service in Swanley. It is a route I know many of you use to get to Sidcup, and the service has simply not been good enough. I have raised this on a number of occasions with TfL and I am pleased to report that the contract has been re-tendered and starting in February the operator will have more buses available and will therefore able to provide a more reliable service than currently is the case. This is encouraging news and please do keep me updated on how it goes.
- While on the topic of transport, The Lower Thames Crossing is crucial to easing the relentless congestion at the Dartford Crossing. However, a final decision on its construction has been further delayed by the Government until May 2025. This will only add further strain to our infrastructure and prolong the traffic misery faced by our community. I am fully committed to ensuring that this vital project is delivered as soon as possible, and that is why I have launched a petition to demonstrate the strong local support for the Lower Thames Crossing. The petition will be open until 20th December when I will then present it to the House of Commons, so please do take part and encourage your friends and family to get involved.
- It was great to meet in parliament with Lavinia Jarrett, the CEO of Demelza Charity, which is an extraordinary charity that helps children and young people facing serious or life-limiting condition. The team currently support around 50 families within the Sevenoaks District and their work provides support such as respite, end of life care, therapies, short breaks, counselling and other family support. They also rely heavily on volunteers and Lavinia told me they are in need of new ones. Whether it be gardening, DIY, providing home support or driving – if anyone can spare any time, it would be greatly welcome. You can contact Demelza at: https://www.demelza.org.uk/support-us/volunteer
- There is a very live debate taking place in society at the moment about the impact and outcomes of screen time on our children, and I have this month launched a survey as I am keen to hear from parents. The survey will be open until 20th December, so please do encourage your friends and families to share their experience. I am going to be using the results to speak with headteachers, and also raise awareness about smart phones and children in our community.
- Finally, I have received many emails from residents expressing their concerns about the proposed changes by Kent County Council which would mean the loss of Jackie the Community Warden who covers West Kingsdown and Fawkham. I know how Jackie is loved in the area for all her hard work for the community, and have had the pleasure of meeting her at The Community Cupboard where her help is invaluable. Tom Tugendhat and I have therefore written jointly to Kent County Council to express the concerns of both ourselves and local residents. I have also reached out to Sevenoaks District Council and local West Kingsdown and Fawkham district councillors. I do appreciate that Kent County Council have to make many difficult decisions, but I hope that working together as a community we can reach a solution.
