Since the beginning of 2023, the Government has been working on five priorities, three of which are economic. To halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt.
As many will know the Forest of Dean constituency contains the council ward of Highnam with Haw Bridge, which falls within the Tewkesbury Borough Council area.
The last few years have not been easy for the British economy. We have faced the legacy of Covid, war in Ukraine and the Middle East. These challenges have made life tough for people in Britain.
Recently Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) approved its budget for the 2024/25 financial year which will see an investment of more than £616 million in local services.
It was a pleasure to visit the Army Apprentices College and Beachley Old Boys Association Heritage Centre today. It was lovely to have been shown round the centre by Chris and Stephen, two former members of the college.
I am delighted to hear that because of funding from the Department for Transport, which I lead as Secretary of State, several Stagecoach services operating between Gloucester and the Forest of Dean are set to be expanded.
Today marks the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm both my own and the Government’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people in their fight against Putin’s tyranny.
Last night the Forest of Dean District Council voted to increase every car parking charge except the first hour by 100%. The Green Party, the Labour Party and the Lib Dems all voted for the significant increase in car parking charges.
Everyone who needs NHS dentistry should be able to access it to keep their teeth and mouths healthy, but I know there have been challenges here in the Forest of Dean with people struggling to get the appointments they need.
