Local Columns

In the Schools White Paper in March, Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi set out an ambition for 90% of primary school children to achieve the expected standard in reading, writing and maths by 2030, and for the percentage of children meeting the expected standard in the worst performing areas to h

The Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is the biggest of the rural grants and payments that provide help to the farming industry. 

Last week, Parliament was prorogued – bringing an end to the 2021-22 parliamentary session, where a number of important Bills became law. 

Living through the pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of people across our country, and I know from my conversations with constituents that this impact has been felt here in the Forest of Dean. 

Last week, the Government published the British energy security strategy. 

From last Friday, 1 April, households across the Forest of Dean in property bands A - D will receive a £150 Council Tax rebate, putting more money into the pockets of people across our area.  

The Covid pandemic saw the worst economic shock in more than 300 years hit our country.  More than £400 billion had to be spent by the Chancellor on a package of support that saved thousands of jobs in the Forest of Dean.

Last week Michael Gove, the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary announced the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

I’m very pleased to be able to welcome the news that planning permission for the new Forest of Dean community hospital has been granted.  

On Monday, the House of Commons considered the Economic Crime Bill, which will create a register of overseas entities, broaden the scope of Unexplained Wealth Orders to target corrupt elites, and strengthen our ability to take actions against sanction breaches.