October was a busy month, kicked off by Conservative Party Conference. I also made a visit Japan earlier this month to attend the Internet Governance Forum.
Internet Governance Forum
I attended the 18th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum, which was hosted by Japan in Kyoto. I was proud to represent the UK, as Minister of State for Data and Digital Infrastructure, and support discussions on how we can continue with open and inclusive governance of the internet.
I had the opportunity to attend several meetings with international colleagues, including Mr Taro Kono, the Japanese Minister of Digital Affairs. I also enjoyed speaking to Vint Cerf, who is recognised as one of the ‘fathers of the internet’, as the co-designer of the architecture of the internet.
Visit to Sandon School
Last month I visited Sandon School, to meet with Year 12 and Year 13 Students studying Politics A-Level. I was invited by Head of Politics, Sam Bay, and was given a tour of the school and met by other members of staff.
I am always pleased to visit schools in my constituency, and to discuss with students my work as an MP as well as national and local issues.
The students at Sandon showed a keen interest and I was encouraged that a number were interested in pursuing a political career.
Opening of Barclays Local
I was invited to cut the ribbon to mark the opening of Barclays Local in South Woodham Ferrers last month.
Following the closure of the Barclays Branches in South Woodham Ferrers and Burnham on Crouch last year, Barclays have launched Barclays Locals in both towns to offer non-cash services to customers.
In south Woodham Ferrers, the Barclays Local will operate on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in Champions Manor Hall. In Burnham on Crouch it is located in the Town Council Offices on Chapel Road on Tuesday and Thursdays. Whilst cash services for Barclays Customers are available through the Post Office, customers will be able to have face to face meetings with Barclays staff who can provide financial support and advice.
I am delighted that with many banks closing their branches, that Barclays customers will still be able to meet and talk to financial advisers in person. This is a great initiative by Barclays working with the Town Councils of South Woodham Ferrers and Burnham on Crouch.
Ministerial Visit to Wales
I was delighted to make a visit to Wales at the end of the month, to visit S4C, which is the Welsh Language public broadcast channel. It was interesting to visit the set of ‘Pobol y Cwm’, which is a popular Welsh language soap opera produced by BBC.
I also paid a visit to the Senedd in Cardiff, to attend the session by the Senedd Culture Committee, which discussed public service broadcasting in Wales.
Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund
I am delighted that South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre has been awarded £53,605 from the Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund.
The Government is making over £60 million of new funding available to safeguard the future of public swimming pools and to make them more financially sustainable. Today’s announcement of the recipients of the first Phase of funding will provide £20.3 million in total of revenue support. Applications for the second phase of funding worth £40 million are currently being considered with announcement of awards early next year.
Recycling Centres Public Consultation
I am pleased to see that Essex County Council has opened a public consultation, to gather the views of local residents, on the booking process for recycling centres.
Bookings for slots at recycling centres have been trialled at 21 centres across Essex, with the aim of managing demand at peak times. There is a proposal to keep this process in place permanently, however Essex County Council would like views of local residents as part of the decision-making process.
It only takes a few minutes to fill out, and I would encourage my constituents to share their views. The consultation is open until 19th November.
https://www.essex.gov.uk/news/2023/recycling-centre-bookings-consultation
Covid-19 Boosters and Flu vaccinations
Frontline NHS staff, over 65s and those who are clinically vulnerable are now able to have their Autumn Covid Booster. Like the flu and other viruses, covid has been shown to peak in the autumn and winter, so getting your booster helps to mitigate the spread.
You are also able to safely get your annual flu vaccine alongside your covid booster. If you are eligible, you should receive an invite for both.
You can also visit the NHS website or visit your local pharmacy to enquire about an appointment.
Meet with Maldon Town Police Officers
Essex Police are holding several ‘Lets Talk’ events in our constituency this month, providing an opportunity for residents to meet with Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers who are based in our local area.
They will be available to listen to any concerns you may have, and answer questions about local policing and what they are doing to keep the community safe.
Upcoming events include:
11th November, Champions Manor Hall Police Surgery, between 12:30-4:30pm.
16th November, The Coffee Lounge in South Woodham Ferrers, between 10-11am.
16th November, Greggs on Maldon High Street, between 3-4pm.
20th November, Plantation Hall in Heybridge, between 6:30-7:30pm.
28th November, Maldon United reform Church in Maldon, 10-12pm.
Surgeries
I hold advice surgeries every fortnight in the constituency, and encourage constituents to come along should they wish to raise an issue with me.
For more information and to book your place, please call 01621 855663 or email office@maldonconservatives.org
