As we enter the New Year we do so, sadly, in an unpredictable world in which there are huge global challenges which are deeply upsetting from conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine through to the impact on so many of the cost of living.
I sincerely hope that this year from the apparently hopeless nightmare of Gaza, fresh hope of peace will emerge – building on the real progress being made between Israel and its neighbours prior to the horror of 7/10. I believe the West neither can nor will weaken in its support for Ukraine and that ultimately that heroic people will prevail. In the U.K. inflation being halved will directly help everyone - as will our economic growth outpacing our major European neighbours.
Locally we are in for a busy time too. School Allocations will be published next month. Horsham has great schools and the allocations will be keenly awaited with the vast majority of students getting into one of their preferred schools. However I am committed to all local pupils being educated in an excellent local school. In 2019 this required us to secure a new school: Bohunt. We need to ensure we continue to provide excellent local opportunities to all local school students.
At the end of last year, HDC published its proposed Local Plan, this will lead to a major conversation, as indeed it should. I am setting out my concerns and would encourage residents to participate in the consultation, as will I, to help ensure we are getting the best possible plan and accompanying infrastructure for our area.
Local NHS provision, including the increasing number of GP appointments, Dentistry and Pharmacies will be a great focus this year as will seizing every opportunity to enhance local hospital services.
Lastly I am very honoured just to be able, to the best of my ability, to help people locally and try to improve the prospects of our country. However I was very touched to have been nominated by Rishi Sunak for inclusion in the New Year’s Honours. May I thank the many constituents who have got in touch as a result: it is very much appreciated.